Khelo India Winter Games Kick Off in Snowy Gulmarg with 400 Athletes

The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games has commenced in the ski resort of Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. The four-day event features 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories competing in disciplines like alpine skiing and snowboarding. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the games, which follow a successful first leg held in Leh, Ladakh. Special arrangements are in place, with the event showcasing the region's winter sports potential.

Key Points: Khelo India Winter Games Begin in Gulmarg | 400 Athletes

  • 400 athletes from 30 states
  • Four-day event in Gulmarg
  • Features alpine skiing & snowboarding
  • Lt Governor to inaugurate
  • Part of national winter sports push
2 min read

Four-day Khelo India Winter Games begin in J&K's Gulmarg today

The 6th Khelo India Winter Games start in Gulmarg, J&K, with 400 athletes from 30 states competing in alpine skiing, snowboarding & more.

"God willing, the event is going to be a great success as Gulmarg has a good snow cover this time - Nuzhat Gul"

Gulmarg, Feb 23

All arrangements were in place on Monday for the inauguration of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games at this picturesque snow-clad ski resort of Jammu and Kashmir.

The four-day event will be flagged off by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, and 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories are participating.

Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, told IANS, "400 participants from 30 states and union territories have registered for the games. God willing, the event is going to be a great success as Gulmarg has a good snow cover this time".

The 4-day event is being held from February 23 to 26. The first leg of KIWG was held at Leh town in Ladakh from January 20 to 26.

The second edition of the games for snow events is being held in Gulmarg. All six editions of KIWG have been held in J&K and Ladakh.

Gulmarg features four medal disciplines, including ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross country) and snowboarding. The highest participation registration has taken place for alpine skiing.

At the end of KIWG 2026 in Ladakh-Leh, Haryana led the medal tally with four gold medals won by its figure and ice skaters. This was followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra and Telangana.

The mascot of KIWG is 'Sheen-E-She (Shan)' -- the Snow Leopard 'Shan' represents the spirit of Indian winter sports -- resilient, agile, and adaptable -- carrying the legacy of the Himalayas to a national stage through the Khelo India Winter Games.

Special arrangements have been made for the event, with all senior officers of civil administration and security taking stock of arrangements in detail.

Kashmir is all braced up to receive the Vice President of the country, C.P. Radhakrishnan, on February 26. The vice president will be the chief guest at the 21st convocation of Kashmir University, being held on February 26.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to see such events being held in J&K. It boosts tourism and gives a positive image of the region. The mascot 'Shan' is a beautiful choice - the snow leopard is perfect for winter games. All the best to all the athletes!
R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but I hope the focus is also on developing infrastructure for local youth in Gulmarg and Ladakh beyond just the event. These games should leave a lasting legacy of training facilities and coaches for the region.
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Sarah B
As someone who visited Gulmarg last year, I can say it's stunning. Perfect for these games. 400 athletes from 30 states is impressive diversity. Hope the coverage is good so we can all watch from home!
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Vikram M
Haryana leading the medal tally last time is interesting! Shows talent can come from anywhere, not just the mountains. Jai ho Khelo India! Let's find our next winter Olympian through these games.
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Nikhil C
The security arrangements mentioned are crucial. Hope everything goes smoothly and the focus remains purely on sports and celebration. Events like this are a great confidence booster for the entire valley. 👍

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