Gulmarg: Amid unusually warm temperatures on the slopes of Gulmarg, a growing number of young women athletes from Kashmir have marked their presence at the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, underscoring a steady rise in female participation in a discipline traditionally dominated by men.
Among them is Hazika Farooq, a young athlete from Srinagar, who is competing at the national-level event and calling for greater participation of girls in winter disciplines.
“There is talent among girls, but many hesitate due to societal pressure or lack of exposure. Platforms like Khelo India are helping change that,” she said on the sidelines of the competition.
Hazika said structured coaching and improved facilities have played a role in encouraging girls to take up skiing and other snow sports.
“When girls see someone from their own area competing at this level, it builds confidence. Families are also becoming more supportive,” she said.
The Games have brought together over 1000 athletes from across the country, with local participation from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials associated with the event said the number of female participants from the Valley has seen a gradual increase over the past few editions.
From Baramulla district, Sitara, another young participant, said exposure to training camps and district-level competitions helped her pursue the sport more seriously.
“Initially, it was difficult to convince people that girls can compete in such sports. But things are changing. More parents are allowing their daughters to train,” she said.
Sitara added that grassroots-level competitions and regular coaching camps are essential to sustain interest among girls. “If opportunities continue, more girls will come forward,” she said.
Aaliya Iqbal, an alpine skier from Tangmarg in Baramulla district, said competing in a national event has given her valuable exposure. Alpine skiing, considered one of the more demanding disciplines, requires speed, endurance and technical skill.“Training conditions are not always consistent due to weather and limited infrastructure, but we are adjusting,” Aaliya said.She noted that unpredictable snowfall in recent years has shortened training windows, affecting preparation schedules.
Mohammad Aabas, Alpine Couch at Gulmarg said that while winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir have traditionally seen higher male participation, female enrollment has steadily increased, particularly from areas close to ski slopes such as Tangmarg and parts of Srinagar.
Officials linked the trend to sustained efforts under national sports programmes and increased visibility of women athletes.“There is a clear shift. More girls are enrolling in beginner courses and competitive training batches,” he said.However, challenges remain. Limited advanced training infrastructure, financial constraints and seasonal uncertainties continue to affect athletes’ preparation. Participants said consistent snowfall is crucial for training, and shorter winters in recent years have reduced practice time.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul told Kashmir Horizon that there is importance of greater female participation in sports.
“We are witnessing a positive change in mindset. More girls are stepping into competitive winter sports, and our effort is to ensure they get equal opportunities, infrastructure and professional coaching. Women athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have the potential to compete at the highest level,” she said.
