Khelo India Winter Games Begin in Gulmarg with 400 Athletes Participating

All arrangements have been completed for the inauguration of the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, which begins on Monday at the snow-covered ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. The four-day sporting event will be formally inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. A total of 400 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories are participating in the games, showcasing talent in various winter sports disciplines. Officials expressed confidence that the event will be a success, especially due to favorable weather conditions and sufficient snowfall this season. According to Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, all preparations are in place and participation levels are encouraging. She noted that the strong snowfall in Gulmarg has created ideal conditions for winter sports competitions. The event is scheduled to take place from February 23 to February 26. The first phase of the games was held earlier from January 20 to 26 in Leh. The Gulmarg leg marks the second phase, focusing on snow-based competitions. Notably, all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have been hosted in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Four medal events will be conducted during the games, including ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country), and snowboarding. Among these, alpine skiing has received the highest number of registrations from participants. The official mascot of the event, “Sheen-e-She” (Shan), symbolizes a snow leopard, representing resilience, agility, and adaptability—qualities associated with winter sports and the Himalayan region. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure smooth conduct of the event, with senior civil administration and security officials closely monitoring preparations. Meanwhile, the region is also preparing to welcome Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, who is scheduled to visit Kashmir on February 26 as the chief guest at the 21st convocation of Kashmir University.