Tuesday, 08 February 2022 | PNS | Joshimath
The National Winter Games began at Auli near Joshimath on Monday. Chief secretary Sukhbir Singh Sandhu inaugurated the games. A total of 250 participants from 17 states are participating in the competition being organised jointly by Tourism department, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Uttarakhand Skiing and Snowboarding Association. The national winter games are being held in Auli after two years. The considerable snowfall leading to good snow cover on the slopes is a major factor facilitating the competition this year.
Speaking on the occasion Sandhu said that after permission for holding the event was secured from the Election Commission of India, the organisers ensured good arrangements within a short span of time. It is important to hold such events to enable the youth of the nation to participate in competitions which in turn will prepare them better for other national and international level competitions, said Sandhu. To boost air service in Auli, the centre and state will work on UDAN and other schemes to enable convenient access to Auli for sportspersons from across the country. More competitive events will be held here in the future. Apart from this, special focus is being laid on developing infrastructure in Auli. Other locations in the state will also be developed for winter sports, he added.
Tourism department additional CEO (Adventure Tourism) Ashwini Pundir, ITBP IG/principal of Auli Skiing Centre, Shashi Bhushan Sharma, Joshimath sub divisional magistrate Kumkum Joshi and others were present on the occasion.
