Gulmarg: The famous winter destination of Gulmarg has been decked up to host the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), with hundreds of athletes from across the country arriving for the four-day event beginning Monday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the laser and mashaal show on Sunday, marking the ceremonial start of the games. The ceremony was attended by senior civil and sports officials, legislators and administrators.
Officials said over 400 athletes from nearly 30 states and Union Territories have registered for the event. “The registration process has been completed. There is a good snow cover, and we hope the weather supports us,” J&K Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul said.
The competitions in Gulmarg will feature four medal disciplines — Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country) and Snowboarding — with Alpine Skiing drawing the highest participation.
The first leg of KIWG 2026, featuring ice events, was held in Leh from January 20 to 26, while the second leg dedicated to snow events will take place in Gulmarg from February 23 to 26. All six editions of the Winter Games so far have been hosted in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
At the conclusion of the Ladakh leg, Haryana topped the medal tally with four gold medals, all secured in figure and ice skating events, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra and Telangana.
Authorities said elaborate logistical and security arrangements have been put in place. A high-level security review meeting chaired earlier by Kashmir’s police leadership was attended by officers from the police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies and civil administration.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla conducted a comprehensive inspection of venues and key locations, including the Gulmarg Golf Club and designated competition and accommodation sites, to ensure smooth conduct of the national winter sporting event in Baramulla district.
Officials said cultural programmes, laser displays and other entertainment activities will add vibrancy to the games, which are expected to showcase Gulmarg’s status as one of India’s premier winter sports destinations.
