The Union Sports Minister announced proposal for the extension of the Khelo India Winter Sports during its closing ceremony at Gulmarg

The land of Kashmir has immense potential; Gulmarg will be the global hub for winter sports in the coming times,” said the minister. The successful completion of the 6th Khelo India Winter Sports Initiative held at Gulmarg witnessed the honourable minister of youth affairs and sports reinstating the centre's vision of turning Gulmarg into a global hub for winter sports at its closing ceremony.

The 4-day-long Khelo India Winter Sports event held against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas wound up with an official address from the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya. He announced the four-day event to be expanded to a 15-day integrated sports festival collaborating with tourism and cultural activities incorporating the Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions. He also declared the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen winter sports infrastructure and training systems.

The second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games exceeded its participation expectations by hosting more than 900 athletes from across the states, union territories and institutions. The event hosted athletic participation in 6 categories, including Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, ski mountaineering and snowboarding. The Indian army won the Khelo India Winter Sports, winning 23 medals – 9 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze – with 8 out of 9 gold won at the Gulmarg-held games.

The event played a central role in the centre's vision of transforming India into one of the top three sporting nations by 2047. PM's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, commemorating 100 years of India's independence, and India's vision to host the 2036 Olympic Games are two aspirations enforcing initiatives like Khelo India, which has expanded sports infrastructure to the grassroots level.