GULMARG, Feb 16: The picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the second leg of the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) from February 23 to 26, with more than 700 athletes and officials expected to participate.
The snow events will follow the successful completion of the first leg for ice events held in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to 26. Officials said the recent snowfall in Gulmarg has created ideal conditions for winter sports competitions.
“There has been good snowfall this winter, which is a boost for skiing and sledging activities. Khelo India Winter Games is being held here, and it will help us earn our livelihood,” said Mohammad Rafeeq Chechi, a ski assistant in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg will host four medal disciplines — Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding. Around 400 athletes are expected to compete in the snow events, with Alpine Skiing drawing the highest number of participants.
In a video message released by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Chechi welcomed participants, saying, “Gulmarg Tayyar hai, Aapka intezaar hai,” expressing readiness and enthusiasm for the event.
Local stakeholders have expressed optimism about the positive impact of the games on tourism and livelihoods. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, a tourist guide from Tangmarg, said that a large number of youth in the region depend on tourism-related activities for income.
“The more the tourists, the better our income. Tourist arrivals had dropped significantly after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. However, visitors have started returning, and we hope the Winter Games will kickstart a good year for tourism in Kashmir,” Wani said.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya recently announced the dates for the Gulmarg leg, noting that the event comes close on the heels of the Winter Olympics. He said this is an ideal time to host the Winter Games in the region.
This marks the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, with all previous editions having been held in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Officials expressed confidence that after the successful first phase in Leh, similar enthusiasm will be witnessed in Gulmarg.
At the conclusion of the KIWG 2025 season, the Indian Army topped the overall medal tally with 18 medals, followed by Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. In the 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana led the medal standings with four gold medals, all secured by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
Authorities have completed logistical arrangements, and the stage is set for a major winter sporting spectacle in the Valley.
