The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games kicks off on Monday at the snow-covered ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. The four-day mega winter sporting event will run from February 23 to February 26, with all preparations for the grand opening ceremony now complete.
The event will be formally inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Around 400 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories have registered to participate in this prestigious national winter sports competition.
Strong Participation and Ideal Snow Conditions
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul told IANS that the event is expected to be highly successful, especially due to the excellent snow conditions in Gulmarg this year.
“Thirty states and Union Territories have registered nearly 400 participants. With good snowfall in Gulmarg, we are confident that the event will be a grand success,” she said.
Second Leg After Leh Successfully Hosted First Phase
The first leg of the Khelo India Winter Games was held in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to January 26. The Gulmarg event marks the second phase of the Winter Games 2026.
All six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have so far been hosted in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, highlighting the Himalayan region’s growing prominence as India’s winter sports hub.
Four Medal Categories in Gulmarg
The Gulmarg leg will feature competitions in four major snow sports disciplines:
- Ski Mountaineering
- Alpine Skiing
- Nordic Skiing (Cross Country)
- Snowboarding
Among these, Alpine Skiing has received the highest number of registrations, making it one of the most anticipated events of the tournament.
Medal Tally and Mascot ‘Shan’
At the conclusion of the Leh leg earlier this year, Haryana topped the medal tally with four gold medals won by its ice skaters. Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana followed in the standings.
The official mascot of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is ‘Sheen-e-She (Shan)’, the Snow Leopard. The mascot symbolizes resilience, agility, and adaptability—qualities that define Indian winter sports athletes. Through this national platform, the Himalayan sporting heritage is being showcased across the country.
Extensive arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the event, with senior government officials closely monitoring preparations to ensure its success.
