Khelo India Winter Games to kick off in Gulmarg today

Srinagar, Mar 8: The second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 (KIWG) will commence in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, from tomorrow, running until March 12.
This phase follows the successful first leg held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, where events like ice hockey and speed skating took place.
The Gulmarg leg of the games was initially scheduled for February 22-25 but had to be delayed due to insufficient snow on the Kangdoori slopes and the golf course. However, with recent snowfall and favorable climatic conditions, the venue is now ready to host events.
“Gulmarg is ready for the second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games. The snow conditions and weather have now aligned perfectly to facilitate the technical conduct of snow sports,” DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa who reviewed the arrangements, said.
The games in Gulmarg will feature four thrilling sports – alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding.
This year, 19 teams representing various states, Union Territories, and institutional outfits will compete across six disciplines. Currently, UT Ladakh leads the KIWG 2025 medal tally, having won four golds, two silvers, and one bronze.
The Khelo India Winter Games, a flagship initiative of the Indian government, offers a competitive platform for winter sports athletes across the country. The event follows a team championship format, where individual and team medals contribute to the overall state or institution’s medal tally.
“The Khelo India Winter Games have significantly contributed to promoting winter sports in the country. This year’s competition promises to be fierce and exciting,” said an official of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The first edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was held in 2020, with Jammu and Kashmir hosting and winning the first three editions. The 2024 edition, co-hosted by Ladakh and J&K, saw the Indian Army claim the overall title.
With the competitive spirit high and athletes from across the nation gathered, the second phase of the KIWG 2025 is set to be a spectacular showcase of winter sports talent. (KINS)