Skiers, snowboarders shine, Khelo India Winter Games take off in Gulmarg

Baramulla, Mar 9: Gulmarg turned into a winter sports spectacle on Sunday as the second phase of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 kicked off in full swing.

With over 550 athletes from across the country, the snow-covered slopes of world-famous tourist resort and ski destination on Sunday witnessed thrilling competitions in ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing at the iconic Kangdoori peak near the Golf Club, with both men’s and women’s categories fiercely contested. On day one of the competition, in the snowboarding slalom men’s category, Mehraj ud Din Khan of Jammu & Kashmir clinched gold, while Zubair Ahmad Khan of Jammu & Kashmir clinched silver, and bronze went to Vivek Rana of the Indian Army.

The women’s category saw a strong performance from athletes across states. In the events on Sunday, Menka Gunjiyal of Uttarakhand clinched gold, while Sakshi Thakur of Himachal Pradesh clinched silver medal, and the bronze medal went to Natasha Maher of HP.

In order to ensure a seamless experience, authorities have implemented a multi-layered security arrangement. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with CRPF and other agencies, are actively monitoring venues with CCTV surveillance, access controls, and regular patrols.

Following the medal ceremony on Sunday, a special night ski demonstration was also scheduled to captivate audiences in the late evening near the Gulmarg ski shop.

The event, as per the details, will open with the national anthem in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Sports Minister Satish Sharma.

Adding to the grandeur, the night will dazzle with a beam light show, scarecrow torch display, trio dance performance, fireworks, and special addresses from dignitaries.

This year’s edition follows the successful first leg of the Khelo India Winter Games, held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, which featured ice hockey and ice skating competitions.