The world famous ski destination Gulmarg is all set to host a five- day national winter games event from 7th March under Khelo India- a national programme for development of sports.Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez Monday reviewed arrangements for the mega event with concerned departments and stakeholders.The meeting was attended by Secretary Sports Council Dr. Naseem Choudhary, General Manager JKTDC Tabassum Kamli, ADC Srinagar Hanief Balki, Deputy Director Tourism Ideel Saleem, Deputy Director Information (PR) Shakeela Shawl, Divisional Sports Officer, Nusrat Gazala, ARTO Srinagar, Manzoor Ahmed and other senior officers.The meeting was also attended by President Winter Games Association J&K (WGAJK) Muhammad Abbas Wani, General Secretary WGAJK Muhammad Yousuf and Youth Services and Sports Instructor, (the Olympian) Gul Mustafa Dev.Sarmad Hafeez asked the officers to make concrete efforts with a professional touch to make the event a success.The Secretary asked the concerned to constitute committees for putting in places arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event including boarding, lodging and transport facilities for the guests and players, besides publicity of the event.
Sarmad Hafez asked the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to liase with the visiting national and local media persons for wide publicity of the event besides organising cultural programmes throughout the event which would be an added attraction for the participants.He directed the Tourism Department authorities to ensure wide publicity of the event in road shows which are currently going on across the country.The meeting decided that hoardings at airports and other prominent places will be displayed for wide publicity of the event.It was given out that there will be 30 events under four disciplines including snowboarding, snow skiing, cross country and snow show in which players from across the India would participate. While on the side-lines, snow cycling and other games will be held for the local children.The Winter Games Sports Association President assured the meeting that the Association is fully geared up to host the event.