Khelo India Winter Games Gulmarg leg concludes, Army tops medal tally

Gulmarg, Feb 26: The Gulmarg leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 concluded on Thursday with a grand closing ceremony.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by the Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma, MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmed Shah and senior officials from the civil and security administration.
The successful conduct of the games was described as a major boost to winter sports and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Athletes from across the country praised the facilities, organisation and competitive atmosphere of the event.
Medal tally
The Indian Army dominated the competition, securing the top position with a total of 23 medals, including 9 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze medals. Himachal Pradesh finished second with 14 medals, while Ladakh and Maharashtra also recorded strong performances across multiple disciplines.
Host Jammu and Kashmir concluded the games with four medals, including one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, reflecting gradual improvement in performance at the national winter sporting event.
Anchal Thakur, representing Himachal Pradesh, who won gold and silver medals in the Slalom event, described the experience as a proud and happy moment, saying competing in Gulmarg alongside athletes from different parts of the country strengthened sportsmanship and exposure.
She expressed hope that more disciplines would be added in future editions, noting that athletes train throughout the year and require consistent opportunities for recognition and performance.
Indian Army gold medalist Mayank Pawar said he was satisfied with the facilities and arrangements provided during the games. He added that he is preparing for the 2027 World Championship and continuing focused training to compete at higher international levels.
Officials said the successful conclusion of the games highlighted Gulmarg’s emergence as a premier winter sports destination and demonstrated the expanding winter sports ecosystem in India. (KNO)