Army aims for golden repeat as Winter Games return to Gulmarg
Had secured 21 medals in 2024 and 18 medals in 2025
The Army is aiming to replicate its golden run from the past two editions as the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) return to Gulmarg from February 23 to 26 under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
After impressive performances in 2024 and 2025, the Army is once again targeting the top spot in the medal tally.
In the 2024 edition, the Army clinched 21 medals — 10 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze — across various events. In 2025, it secured 18 medals, including 7 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze. Although Himachal Pradesh matched the Army’s overall tally of 18 medals in 2025, the Army finished ahead due to a higher number of gold medals.
The Army delivered a dominant performance in Nordic skiing at the 2025 Games, achieving a clean sweep in all three men’s events — the 1.4 km sprint, the 10 km race and the 15 km race — a rare feat in the short history of the competition.
Explaining the secret behind the Army’s consistent success, Army coach Nadeem Iqbal Mirza credited the institution’s structured training system and support. “It is possible due to the year-round rigorous training schedule and the full support of the Army to its athletes,” Mirza said.
He added that during summer, when snow melts in the Pir Panjal range, Army athletes shift to intensive conditioning programmes that include roller skiing, gym training and high-altitude endurance cycles.
“The Army’s infrastructure — including snow groomers, snow scooters and ski lifts — creates near-European training conditions in the Himalayan terrain,” Mirza said.
With strong institutional backing and disciplined preparation, the Army will look to maintain its dominance when the Games begin in Gulmarg.
