Gulmarg to become global hub for winter sports, says Mandaviya

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said Gulmarg will emerge as a global hub for winter sports in the coming years, announcing that future editions of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in the resort will be expanded into a 15-day sporting festival.

Mandaviya was in the Valley to attend the concluding ceremony of the second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games, inaugurated earlier this week.

Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to transforming the region into a premier winter sports destination, the Minister said, “The land of Kashmir has immense potential. Gulmarg will be the global hub for winter sports in the coming times.”

He announced that upcoming editions of the Winter Games will no longer be limited to a four-day competition. Instead, they will be developed into a 15-day integrated sporting and cultural event.

“By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day-long Winter Games that will include a Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions,” he said. “Along with skiing and snow mountaineering competitions, there will be a FIT India Carnival and cultural programmes to create a festive atmosphere.”

Mandaviya also emphasised the need to fully tap the region’s natural potential. “I have travelled to 55 countries, including Switzerland. Today, when I stood on the highest slopes of the Pir Panjal and witnessed the white expanse around, it was simply breathtaking,” he said.

The Union Minister further announced that a Khelo India National Centre of Excellence will be established in Kashmir to provide athletes an opportunity to train in the region’s natural winter sports environment.

The first phase of the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games was held in Ladakh from January 20 to 26. According to officials, more than 900 athletes from 25 States and Union Territories participated in six disciplines across Gulmarg and Leh.

This year’s Games commenced amid unusually warm weather in Gulmarg, posing challenges due to reduced snowfall. Despite the conditions, athletes showcased strong performances on the national stage.

On the concluding day, Mandaviya felicitated the Army team for successfully defending the Khelo India Winter Games championship title. The Army contingent secured nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals.

Himachal Pradesh finished runners-up with 14 medals — six gold, seven silver and one bronze — while Haryana secured third place. The Union Minister presented trophies to the winning teams during the closing ceremony.