Snow Leopard ‘Sheen-e She’ Mascot of Khelo India Winter Games Launched

Snow Leopard ‘Sheen-e She’ the mascot and logo of Khelo India Winter Games 2024 were launched. 

• The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 will be organised in two parts. The first part of the Winter Games will be held in the Union Territory of Ladakh from February 2-6, Ladakh will be hosting the event for the first time
• The second portion is scheduled to take place in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir from February 21-25.

About  Khelo India Winter Games 2024 

• The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 is the fourth edition in a row. 
• Games will be conducted in Ladakh are ice Hockey and speed skating, in Jammu and Kashmir are ski mountaineering, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and gondola. 
• The Games’ logo is prominently featured with the Indian tricolor, which reflects the uniqueness of the picturesque land and many sports events that are on the cards. The logo incorporates a Dharmachakra, which is a turning wheel of Dharma, on a hilltop in Chanspa in Leh, the venue of the games.
• Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting, will inaugurate the opening ceremony of the games at the NDS stadium, Leh on February 2. 
• The idea of having a snow leopard as the mascot was taken by the J&K Sports Council and the sports department of Ladakh. 
• The mascot highlights high-mountain development issues of the natives, the region's fragile environment, as well as the importance of conservation efforts to protect the natural habitat of this Snow Leopard and ensure its survival for the future.

About Snow Leopard

• The snow leopard, which is native to the high-altitude areas of J&K and Ladakh over 3200 meters, is the mascot for the games. 
• It is also found in other Himalayan states of India and high-altitude areas in neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, China and Central Asia.
• The snow leopard across Asia: 
• Afghanistan, Bhutan, Mongolia, China, India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Habitat in India: Snow Leopards are mainly found in Hemis National Park, Khangchendzonga National park, Gangotri National Park and Great Himalayan National Park. 
• Threats to population of Snow Leopards are Habitat loss, poaching and increasing conflict with communities