Leh/Shimla: In a historic moment for winter sports enthusiasts, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are set start  from February 2 in Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

 The opening ceremony, set to be inaugurated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, will take place at the NDS stadium.

The much-anticipated event features a unique mascot, 'Sheen-e She' (Shan), a snow leopard, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the region.

The logo, adorned with the Indian tricolor, captures the essence of the picturesque land.

The Games will unfold in two parts, with the first leg scheduled in Ladakh from February 2-6 and the second in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 21-25.

Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), and Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shrimati Sujata Chaturvedi, launched the mascot and logo online.

The presence of key officials, including Director General of Sports Authority of India, Shri Sandip Pradhan, marked the significance of the occasion.

Brigadier Mishra expressed enthusiasm for Ladakh's debut as a host, stating, "Ladakh is the place to play winter games." Shri Sinha, in his fourth year with the Khelo India Winter Games, extended best wishes to the Ladakh administration as hosts.

The snow leopard, native to the high-altitude areas of J&K and Ladakh, serves as a symbol addressing high-mountain development, environmental concerns, and the importance of conservation efforts.

The Khelo India Winter Games 2024, the fourth edition of the annual event, aligns with the Khelo India Mission, envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Ladakh, making its debut as hosts alongside Jammu & Kashmir, will feature ice hockey and speed skating, while Jammu and Kashmir will host ski mountaineering, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic ski, and gandola events.

The Games aim to promote Olympic sports and nurture talented sportspersons, contributing to India's success on the global stage. Stay tuned for exhilarating winter sports action in the high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh!

The mascot for the Khelo India Winter Games 2024, the majestic snow leopard named 'Sheen-e She' (Shan), has been unveiled.

Himachal Pradesh men's and women's ice hockey teams are set to represent the state at the 4th Khelo India Winter Games.

The teams, brimming with enthusiasm and determination, will be arriving at the Simla Ice Skating Club on  January 31st, 2024, for a special send-off.

The Khelo India Winter Games, a significant sporting event, will not only witness the participation of Himachal Pradesh but also teams from other cold-climate regions, including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Moreover, the competition will feature spirited representation from organizations such as the Army, ITBP, BSF, and teams from New Delhi,  Northeast  and various other locations.

The anticipation is palpable as these teams, comprising skilled athletes, prepare to showcase their prowess in ice hockey, an exhilarating sport that demands precision, agility, and teamwork.

For Himachal Pradesh, this event holds immense significance as it not only provides a platform for the state's ice hockey enthusiasts but also serves as an opportunity to foster camaraderie among participants from diverse regions.

The Simla Ice Skating Club, known for nurturing winter sports talent, will host the farewell event for the Himachal teams on January 31st.

This occasion will be marked by a celebration of the athletes' achievements and a display of community support as they embark on their journey to represent the state on a national stage.

As the teams brace themselves for the upcoming challenge, the Khelo India Winter Games promise to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talent and resilience of ice hockey players from the cold zones of India.

The games  are  expected to not only promote the sport but also celebrate the spirit of winter sportsmanship, bringing together athletes from different corners of the country in the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh.