After Leh’s Ice, Gulmarg Ignites India’s Sports Dream For Khelo India Winter Games
The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games moved to its second phase in Gulmarg after a successful opening in Leh.
After the successful Phase 1 implementation of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games at Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium in Leh, Ladakh, on 26 January, Gulmarg has now taken the baton to host the second phase from 23 to 26 February.
6th Edition of Khelo India Winter Games Begins in Gulmarg
— Kashmir Observer® (@kashmirobserver) February 23, 2026
The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games has officially begun in Gulmarg, bringing together top winter sports athletes from across the country. The grand opening ceremony witnessed the presence of the Lieutenant… pic.twitter.com/V1UHmjr2ru
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Phase 2 snow sports festival of the Khelo India Winter Games, a scheme launched in 2020, with a splendid light and torch display. The four-day event commenced with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council unveiling aerial views of the snow-covered slopes and marked competition terrains against the mighty Himalayan backdrop. Another striking occurrence was CM Omar Abdullah's suggestion about the introduction of artificial snow systems as a caution against climate variability causing threat against winter sports and tourism.
Key Highlights from the Snow Fest
The event is graced by the presence of over 400 athletes from 28 states.The event will witness competitions across four categories, namely alpine skiing, which has attracted the maximum athletes, followed by Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding. After the Leh phase, Haryana is leading with four gold medals, while teams representing the Indian Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh are expected to emerge as strong contenders.
Beyond the Games
Since 2021, winter sports participation has seen a steep increase of 120%, with one-fourth of the winter sports talent being nurtured in Jammu and Kashmir alone, thereby establishing its strategic importance. From 2021 to the present, six new winter sports hubs have been constructed along the Himalayan belt across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The broader vision of the event includes boosting tourism, creating demand for domestic businesses, and establishing Gulmarg’s reputation as an international winter sports hub.