Gulmarg, Feb 26: Asserting that earlier stone pelters used to make headlines, now it’s sports Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a shift in public narrative.
While addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games-2026, Mandaviya, said, “The region (J&K), once associated with unrest, is now gaining recognition for sporting events and youth participation. Newspapers that earlier focused on security challenges are now highlighting sports and development.”
The Minister linked the change to developments after the revocation of Article 370, saying new opportunities and public confidence have emerged in Jammu and Kashmir. “After the abrogation of Article 370, there is newfound belief in J&K. Earlier stone-pelters used to make headlines now it is sports. Times are a changing in J&K and will have a massive role to meet PM Modi’s dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2027,” he added.
He said the region is contributing to a developed India through sports, tourism and youth engagement.
Calling Gulmarg one of the world’s finest winter destinations, Mandaviya said its geographical advantage and sporting potential make it ideal for winter sports.
He expressed confidence that Gulmarg will develop into a world-class winter sports centre with improved infrastructure and regular events.
He said sports promote unity, discipline and constructive engagement for youth, adding that interactions with local athletes reflected growing enthusiasm and professionalism.
Mandaviya said the Khelo India Winter Games are helping build a winter sports ecosystem while strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism profile nationally and internationally.
He announced that future editions of the Winter Games will be extended from four days to nearly 15 days, with the addition of a Fit India carnival and related activities.
While reaffirming the Government’s commitment to transforming the region into a premier global winter sports hub, the Union Minister said, “Next Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg will be a 15-day festival.”
He said, “The land of Kashmir has immense potential, Gulmarg will be the global hub for Winter Sports in the coming times,”
Mandaviya emphasized that sports have the power to unite society, foster sportsmanship, create harmony and drive development.
Reflecting on his interaction with athletes and coaches at Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir, he noted the remarkable sporting spirit emerging from the region.
In a bid to promote sports, culture and tourism and to make Gulmarg a “world-class tourism destination”, Mandaviya said the region’s potential needed to be fully explored. “I have travelled to 55 countries and also travelled to Switzerland in Europe. Today when I was on the highest slopes of Pir Panjal and watched with awe the white beauty all around, it was simply breath-taking,” he said.
“I am all for a 15-day festival in Gulmarg. It will not only have all the components of winter sports competition like skiing and snow mountaineering, it will also include a FIT India carnival and cultural programmes to give it a festive atmosphere. To explore the amazing potential of the region, we need to do more to make a global tourism destination,” he added.
Mandaviya felicitated the Indian Army team for defending the Khelo India Winter Games championship title. Army won we medals, including nine golds, six silvers and eight bronze. Runners-up Himachal Pradesh (14 medals including six golds, seven silvers and one bronze) and No. 3 Haryana were also handed their trophies by the Union minister.
He reiterated that the Khelo Bharat Niti has been transforming the face of Indian sports. “Khelo Bharat Niti will fulfil the aspirations of the youth of India. Times have changed and there can be no politics in sports. Our policies are athlete centric and not built in favour of national federations,” said Dr Mandaviya.
Praising the Jammu and Kashmir administration for successfully conducting the Gulmarg leg of KIWG 2026, Dr Mandaviya congratulated all stakeholders, especially the security forces, for enabling a seamless Games.
The first phase of KIWG 2026 were held in Ladakh from January 20-26. More than 900 athletes from 25 states and Union Territories took part in six different sports between Gulmarg and Leh.
The Union minister also said a National Centre of Excellence for winter sports will also be established in Jammu & Kashmir. (KNO)
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