Says “Next Khelo India Winter Games to be expanded into 15-day festival, NCoE to be set up in J&K”
Gulmarg: Signalling a larger role for Jammu and Kashmir in India’s sporting map, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said Gulmarg is set to emerge as a global hub for winter sports and announced that the next edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in the hill resort will be expanded into a 15-day festival.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the second leg of the sixth edition of the Games at Gulmarg’s Golf Course, Mandaviya said the Centre is committed to transforming the region into a premier winter sports destination by integrating sports with tourism and cultural activities.
“The land of Kashmir has immense potential. Gulmarg will become a global hub for winter sports in the coming times,” he said.
In a key announcement, the Minister said future editions of the Winter Games in Gulmarg will no longer be restricted to a four-day competition. Instead, they will be organised as a 15-day integrated event featuring winter sports competitions, a Fit India Carnival and cultural programmes.
“By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day Winter Games that will include a Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions,” Mandaviya said, adding that the move would help create a festival atmosphere and attract visitors from across the country.
Referring to his travels abroad, including to Switzerland, the Minister said Gulmarg’s snow-covered slopes and the Pir Panjal range can rival international destinations if supported with the right infrastructure and planning.
He also announced that a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for winter sports will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen training facilities and athlete development in disciplines such as skiing and snow mountaineering.
The sixth edition of the Games was held in two phases — the first in Ladakh from January 20 to 26 and the second in Gulmarg. More than 900 athletes from 25 States and Union Territories participated in six disciplines across Gulmarg and Leh.
The Indian Army defended its overall championship title, winning nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals. Himachal Pradesh finished second with 14 medals, including six gold, while Haryana secured the third position. The trophies were presented by the Union Minister at the closing ceremony.
Mandaviya said the government’s sports policies are athlete-centric and aimed at strengthening grassroots talent. Praising the Jammu and Kashmir administration and security forces for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Games, he said sports are playing a key role in reshaping the region’s narrative and expanding opportunities for youth.
