Gulmarg gears up for 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games

Srinagar, Jan 7: Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort, is set to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games from February 2 to 6, building on the success of its previous editions.

A statement said that organised directly by the Sports Authority of India in collaboration with the Olympic Ad Hoc Committee for Ski and Snowboard India and the Winter Games Association of Jammu & Kashmir, the event enjoys active support from the J&K Government.

In a strategic move to enhance professionalism and provide better facilities, the games are divided into two parts. Gulmarg will host competitions in Skiing, Snowboarding, and Ski Mountaineering, while Ladakh will be the venue for Ice Skating and Ice Hockey events.

With over 400 athletes from different states, Union Territories, and the Army participating, the games promise to be a vibrant showcase of winter sports talent. The picturesque landscapes of Kongdoori and the main bowl of Gulmarg will witness intense competitions in Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Ski Mountaineering, while Nordic Skiing events will unfold in Gulmarg.

To ensure seamless arrangements, all stakeholders, including SAI, Sports Federations, and the J&K Government, are actively contributing. A recent high-level meeting chaired by the Administrative Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department of the J&K Government reviewed the preparations for the event.

Rauf Tramboo, President of the Winter Games Association of J&K (WGAJK) and the appointed Competition Manager, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, Government of India, and the Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support. Tramboo considers the direct involvement of the ministry and SAI as historic for winter sports in the country.

Acknowledging the broader impact of the Khelo India Winter Games, Tramboo highlighted its role in promoting tourism in Kashmir. "The Government of India has specifically entrusted Kashmir with hosting the Khelo India Winter Games to boost winter and adventure tourism. With athletes from across India converging on Kashmir, the event will automatically promote winter tourism, yielding positive results in the coming years," he stated.

Tramboo also extended his gratitude to the J&K Government and the J&K Sports Council for their continued support, emphasising that without their collaboration, such a grand sporting event would not be possible.