Omar unveils mascot of Winter Games ’25

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday unveiled the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 mascot, the snow leopard, symbolising the region’s rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation.

The Chief Minister also released a commemorative souvenir and launched a multimedia campaign for the second phase of the event scheduled to be held from February 22 to 25 at Gulmarg in north Kashmir, an official spokesman said. The first phase of the event was held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27.

Abdullah reviewed the preparations for the fifth edition of the KIWG during a high-level meeting held here, with the focus on ensuring the successful conduct of the event and strengthening the region’s position as a premier destination for winter sports, the spokesman said.

Over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories and sports boards are expected to participate in competitions such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding and a demonstration sport—snowshoe racing.

The spokesman said the venues for the events include Kongdoori and Gulmarg Club and the event is being funded by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Committees for coordination, registration and logistics have already been constituted, with registrations underway.