Srinagar: The scenic town of Gulmarg witnessed the grand inauguration of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gracing the event.
The opening ceremony marked a significant moment as athletes from across the country gathered to showcase their winter sports skills against the backdrop of the majestic snow-covered peaks of the region. Welcoming the athletes and officials, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his best wishes to the participants, acknowledging their hard work and determination. “Khelo India Winter Games symbolizes the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Gulmarg, a world-renowned winter tourism destination, has now transformed into a winter sports city. I extend a warm welcome to all,” said the Lieutenant Governor. He emphasized the true essence of sports, stating, “A real champion is not defined by victory or defeat but by passion, enthusiasm, courage, and sportsmanship. This is your opportunity to show the world the skills and unique abilities you have acquired after years of hard work and inspire the younger generation.”
Expressing gratitude towards the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, J&K Sports Department, and all stakeholders, he praised their efforts in developing top-tier sports infrastructure and coaching facilities across Jammu Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor proudly highlighted that, in the past 4 and a half years, Jammu Kashmir has become a hub for national and international sporting events, with international cricket returning to the Kashmir Valley after three decades. He also emphasized the importance of the Khelo India initiative, saying, “The success stories of our sportspersons and the success of past editions of Khelo India Winter Games reflect our Sporting Power.”
The Lieutenant Governor also touched upon key initiatives to promote sports in the region, such as the training of 4500 players across 92 Khelo India Centers in Jammu Kashmir. He also mentioned the establishment of Water Sports and Fencing Academies in Srinagar and Jammu, and the upcoming Khel Gaon in Nagrota, which will enhance the performance of athletes through state-of-the-art facilities.
Thrilling Competitions Unfold At The 5th Khelo India Winter Games: The pristine slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg came alive with the excitement of winter sports as the competition began. The opening day was filled with high-octane action as athletes competed fiercely in events like Snowboarding Slalom, Ski Mountaineering Sprint, Alpine Skiing Slalom, and Nordic Skiing. In the Men’s Snowboarding Slalom, Mehrajuddin Khan from Jammu and Kashmir clinched the gold with a flawless run, while his teammate Zubair Ahmad Lone took silver. Vivek Rana of the Army secured bronze in a nail-biting finish. The Women’s Snowboarding Slalom saw Menka Gunjiyal from Uttarakhand emerge victorious with a gold medal, with Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Maher of Himachal Pradesh claiming silver and bronze, respectively. In the Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint, Rajeshwar Singh from the Army showed exceptional strength and endurance, winning the gold. Siddharth from Maharashtra took the silver, and Mayank Dimri from Uttarakhand won bronze. The Alpine Skiing Slalom saw Yogesh Kumar of Himachal Pradesh dominate with a gold medal performance, while Jigmet Rafastan and Bakir Hussain, both from the Army, secured silver and bronze, respectively. The final event of the day, the Women’s 5 km Nordic Skiing, saw Bhawani Thekkada from Karnataka claim gold, with Selma Soreng of ITBP earning silver and Kusum Rana of ITBP winning bronze.
Celebrating The Spirit Of Sportsmanship: Beyond the competitions, the true essence of the Khelo India Winter Games was in the camaraderie shared among the athletes. Despite the fierce competition, the athletes reveled in the spirit of brotherhood and sportsmanship that transcended the medal tally. Mehrajuddin Khan, the gold medalist in Snowboarding Slalom, shared, “It’s not just about winning; it’s about feeling the adrenaline rush, pushing your limits, and embracing the beauty of the mountains.” Fellow athletes echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unique experience of competing amidst the stunning natural beauty of Gulmarg.
Medalists of the Day:
Snowboarding Slalom (Men):
Gold: Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K)
Silver: Zubair Ahmad Lone (J&K)
Bronze: Vivek Rana (Army)
Snowboarding Slalom (Women):
Gold: Menka Gunjiyal (Uttarakhand)
Silver: Sakshi Thakur (Himachal Pradesh)
Bronze: Natasha Maher (Himachal Pradesh)
Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint:
Gold: Rajeshwar Singh (Army)
Silver: Siddharth (Maharashtra)
Bronze: Mayank Dimri (Uttarakhand)
Alpine Skiing Slalom:
Gold: Yogesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh)
Silver: Jigmet Rafastan (Army)
Bronze: Bakir Hussain (Army)
Nordic Skiing (5 km Women):
Gold: Bhawani Thekkada (Karnataka)
Silver: Selma Soreng (ITBP)
Bronze: Kusum Rana (ITBP)
As the opening day came to a close, the excitement was far from over. The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 promises more thrilling action in the coming days, with athletes pushing their limits to achieve new heights of excellence. Gulmarg’s slopes are set to become a battleground for more unforgettable moments of athleticism, teamwork, and passion.
Economic Boost,Tourism Growth: Apart from the sporting element, the Khelo India Winter Games will provide a significant boost to the local economy, with Gulmarg set to benefit across multiple sectors. Hotels, local transport services, and pony operators, all of whom rely on seasonal tourism, are expected to see a rise in demand as athletes, officials, and spectators descend on the region. The Jammu and Kashmir government is also looking at ways to maximize the tourism potential of Gulmarg beyond the winter months. Known for its stunning meadows in the summer, Gulmarg is a popular year-round destination. The government’s long-term vision includes enhancing infrastructure and introducing new activities, including heli-skiing, which could further elevate the town’s appeal as a premier destination for adventure sports. Recently Farooq Shah, MLA Gulmarg, expressed his optimism for the upcoming tourism season in the region, stating, “With the recent snowfall, we are confident that the winter games will take place successfully. “We are hopeful that this event will not only showcase Gulmarg’s potential as a winter sports destination but also significantly boost local tourism. The recent review by Omar Abdullah has ensured that all arrangements are in place, and we look forward to a successful season ahead,” he added.
Ensuring A Safe And Secure Event: Given the scale and prestige of the Khelo India Winter Games, security arrangements have been a top priority for the organizers. To ensure the safety of participants, officials, and spectators, a high-level security review meeting was convened by Maqsood-ul Zaman, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Northern Kashmir Range Baramulla. The meeting, held at PC Kunzer, included representatives from various security agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and army units, all of whom will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order during the event. A comprehensive multi-layered security plan has been put in place, covering key venues, accommodation facilities, and transit routes. Special deployments have been made to provide additional security at the event sites and along major routes that will be used by participants and tourists. These measures include access control points, anti-sabotage checks, and CCTV surveillance across all venues to maintain a vigilant watch. The police have urged all attendees to cooperate with the security personnel and follow the necessary protocols to ensure a smooth and incident-free event. “Security is a top priority, and we are working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure the event is a success,” said Maqsood-ul Zaman. “We urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Local Impact, Stakeholder Involvement: The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 has a profound impact on the local community. Hotels, restaurants, transporters, and other service providers in the region are preparing for a surge in visitors during the event. Local businesses, including those in the tourism and hospitality sector, will get benefit significantly from the influx of guests, which will provide a welcome boost after a long period of uncertainty. By showcasing Gulmarg’s natural beauty and world-class sporting infrastructure, the government hopes to create a lasting impression that will encourage visitors to return even after the games have concluded. The games will not only showcase India’s burgeoning winter sports talent but also set the stage for the continued development of Gulmarg as a global winter sports hub.
