Question : Promotion of Winter Sports

(a) the details and the number of recognised Winter Sports Federations in the country along with the details of State where they are based;
(b) the steps taken by the Government to accord recognition to Winter Sports Federations;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to promote winter sports and Winter Sports Federations;
(d) whether the Government has recognised the scope of development of winter sports, especially in the Himalayan region of the country, if so, the details thereof and the steps taken up by the Government to develop hubs in the Himalayas;
(e) whether the Government is considering tying up with the tourist sector to develop skiing and other winter sports resorts in such regions, if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

(a) to (c) Promotion and development of specific sports disciplines is mainly the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federations (NSFs). Government supplements the efforts of the NSFs by providing financial assistance to them under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs for holding national championships, conduct of international events in India, preparation and participation of Indian sportspersons / teams in international sporting events, equipment support, etc. The Government recognition is granted to the national level sports bodies. As and when any feasible proposal is received from federations, such proposals are considered as per the laid down procedure under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. At present no NSF has been recognized for Winter Sports.

(d): With the objective of promotion and development of winter sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has organized Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir). The first Khelo India Winter Games were held from 7-11 March 2020, which saw participation of 955 athletes in the disciplines of Snow Skiing, Snow Rugby, Snow Ice Stock, Snow Baseball, Snow Mountaineering, Snow Shoe, Ice Hockey. The second Khelo India Winter Games were held in the disciplines of Snow Ski, Ice Hockey, Ice Stock, Snow Shoe, Snow Ski Mountaineering, Ice Skating were held from 26th February to 2nd March, 2021 at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir with 787 participants.

(e): Development and promotion of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations. Sports being a ‘State’ subject, responsibility for development of sports infrastructure, including skiing and other Winter Sports, lies with the State Governments / Union Territory Administrations.
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