Gulmarg, February 23: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games as a testament to the region’s sporting prowess, even as he candidly addressed the unprecedented warm weather challenging the event. Speaking at the picturesque ski resort, Abdullah emphasized that no venue rivals Gulmarg for winter sports, yet changing climate patterns demand urgent action.
‘It’s remarkable that we’re hosting the Khelo India Winter Games here for the sixth consecutive time,’ he noted. ‘But February heat like this was unimaginable before. This reality forces us to adapt.’
Drawing global parallels, the CM pointed to the Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, wrapping up without natural snow, relying entirely on artificial alternatives. ‘Since 1997, every Winter Olympics has needed man-made snow. Gulmarg must follow suit for sports and tourism,’ he asserted.
Abdullah underscored winter tourism’s economic lifeline for Gulmarg, pledging infrastructure upgrades including snow-making facilities. On political fronts, he dismissed speculation about INDIA alliance meetings on leadership, clarifying no such discussions occurred. Regarding Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remarks, he said individuals are free to opine, but internal deliberations precede public announcements.
Defending Rahul Gandhi amid critiques, Abdullah praised his relentless BJP opposition. ‘Rahul targets the BJP everywhere—that’s the opposition leader’s role. What more do we expect?’ he quipped, urging party unity before external debates.
As athletes compete amid melting slopes, Abdullah’s vision blends sporting legacy with climate resilience, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a winter sports hub ready for the future.