Khelo India to kick off only if there is enough snow: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Sunday that he was unable to announce new dates for the Khelo India Winter Games but assured that the event will be organised if Gulmarg receives enough snow in the coming days.

“We are not in a position to make any announcement (regarding the games). There are chances of snow for three more days near February 26, after which experts from the Ski Federation will be sent to the area to examine the slopes and see if there is enough snow for the games to start,” Omar said while speaking to reporters in Gulmarg.

He further added, “If there will be enough snow, the new dates for the winter games will be announced. If the area witnesses enough snowfall for the games, we will announce the games in the first week of March.”

The second leg of the fifth Khelo India Winter Games was initially scheduled to begin in Gulmarg on February 17 but was postponed due to insufficient snow on the slopes where skiers would participate.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural function of a year-round helicopter service in Gulmarg, Omar noted that many skiers prefer heli-skiing, as it offers the opportunity to ski on unexplored slopes. “They (skiers) get to ski in an area where there are no lifts,” he said.

He emphasised that the new helicopter service will promote heli-skiing while also offering tourists a unique sightseeing experience. “Soon, Gulmarg will be recognised as a premier destination for heli adventures alongside the famous Gondola rides,” he added.