Says “Investment in infra key to safeguard Gulmarg’s tourism economy”
There should be flexible schedule for future winter games: CM
Omar Pushes for better coaching, facilities to produce global medallists
Gulmarg: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the government will move towards artificial snow generation in Gulmarg, cities climate change and erratic snowfall as serious threats to winter sports and tourism and strengthen its position as India’s premier winter sports destination.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the sixth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Omar said hosting the Games for the sixth time reinforces Gulmarg’s unmatched status in the country. However, he cautioned that shifting weather patterns now demand a rethink in infrastructure planning.
“It is a huge achievement that Gulmarg is hosting the Winter Games for the sixth time. It shows there is no better venue in the country. But the reality is that weather patterns are changing. We never imagined month of February would be this warm in Gulmarg. We must accept this and adapt accordingly,” he said.
Chief Minister stressed that winter sports globally are no longer dependent solely on natural snowfall, as major global events rely on artificial snow to ensure consistent conditions.
“Across the world, winter games are not possible without artificial snow. It has become a necessity. If we want Gulmarg to remain competitive and viable, we must invest in similar infrastructure,” he said.
Warning against over-reliance on natural snowfall, CM Omar said that without artificial snow generation, Gulmarg could face serious challenges in the coming years.
“If we fail to create that infrastructure, a time may come when skiing in Gulmarg will not be possible,” he said, adding that we have to invest in it.
CM also acknowledged concerns over water and electricity consumption but maintained that such investments are essential not only for athletes but also for thousands whose livelihoods depend on winter tourism, including ski instructors, guides, and other workers.
He also suggested greater flexibility in scheduling the winter Games in Gulmarg. Instead of fixing dates months in advance, the event should ideally be held 10 to 15 days after a good snowfall to ensure proper slopes and conditions, he added.
CM also expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would soon produce medal-winning winter athletes. Congratulating Indian skier Arif Khan for representing the country internationally in Italy. We hope that Khelo India Winter Games would nurture “a new Arif Khans.”
He said that India’s performance in Asian and Olympic Winter Games has been modest, attributing it to limited infrastructure and training facilities.
“It is our duty to provide proper infrastructure, coaching and training so our athletes can compete at the international level,” Chief Minister said.
Welcoming increased participation of women in the Games, the Chief Minister said winter sports offer an opportunity to bridge gender gaps, as men and women compete at nearly equal levels in most disciplines.
“There is a need to further strengthen coaching and support systems to help athletes reach medal-winning standards,” he said, adding that there is a need to invest in infrastructure and support our players.
