Sixth Khelo India Winter Games Open in Gulmarg, Alpine Skiing Draws Highest Entries

The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games began on Sunday at Gulmarg, with around 400 athletes from across the country taking part in the four-day competition.

The event will be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Athletes from 30 states and Union Territories are competing in the winter sports meet, which will run from February 23 to 26.

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Gulmarg Ready to Host Events in Four Winter Sports

Officials said all preparations are in place ahead of the opening ceremony, helped by favourable snow conditions in Gulmarg this season. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council also pointed out that, “Gulmarg has a good snow cover this time” and expressed confidence that the event would be conducted smoothly.

Gulmarg will host competitions in four disciplines — alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country), ski mountaineering and snowboarding. Alpine skiing has drawn the highest number of entries among the participating athletes.

Leh Hosted First Phase of the Games

The first phase of this year’s Khelo India Winter Games was held earlier in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to 26. Gulmarg now serves as the venue for the snow events. All editions of the Winter Games so far have been organised in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

In the previous edition held in Leh, Haryana finished on top of the medal table with four gold medals, mainly through performances in figure skating and ice skating. Ladakh, Maharashtra and Telangana followed in the standings.

‘Shan’ the Snow Leopard Represents Spirit of Winter Sports

Symbolising endurance and adaptability in harsh mountain conditions, the snow leopard ‘Sheen-E-She (Shan),’ the mascot of the Winter Games, reflects the spirit of winter sports in the Himalayan region.

Security and administrative arrangements have been tightened for the event, with senior officials overseeing logistics and crowd management. Gulmarg is also preparing to host Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on February 26, when he will attend the convocation ceremony of Kashmir University as chief guest.