Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir: The upcoming Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is set to become a strong example of the government’s ambitious Khelo Bharat Niti, with visible growth in tourism, local business activity and nationwide participation ahead of the February 23–26 competition window.
Launched by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in July last year, the Khelo Bharat Niti aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem while leveraging major events to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.
Gulmarg Sees Tourism Surge Before Winter Games
Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s premier winter sports destinations, is witnessing a sharp increase in tourist bookings as the Winter Games approach. With India’s top skiers, including Winter Olympians, scheduled to compete, excitement is building across the region.
Local hospitality businesses report a strong uptick in reservations. Hotels and huts in Gulmarg, offering nearly 2,300 beds, are already more than 50% booked for the event period.
“For us, this is more than tourism — it is our identity,” said a local hotelier, noting that athletes from states including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana and Jammu & Kashmir have already begun arriving.
Economic Boost for Local Workers and Seasonal Businesses
Beyond hotels and resorts, the Winter Games are creating vital income opportunities for seasonal workers. Sledge pullers and tourism service providers are preparing for increased footfall during the Games.
During peak tourist days, workers earn between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 daily — significantly higher than lean-season earnings. For many families in Gulmarg, the Games represent a critical economic lifeline during the winter season.
Steady Growth of Khelo India Winter Games
The Winter Games have grown steadily since their inception:
- 2020: 1,123 athletes across 13 disciplines
- 2021: 1,208 athletes participated
- 2023: Record 1,395 athletes competed
- 2024–2025: More focused events with intensified competition
Jammu & Kashmir has consistently performed strongly, topping medal tallies in several editions.
Four Key Medal Disciplines in 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition will feature competitions in:
- Ski Mountaineering
- Alpine Skiing
- Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country)
- Snowboarding
The event is expected to attract athletes and spectators from across India, further cementing Gulmarg’s reputation as India’s winter sports capital.
Revival of Tourism After a Challenging Period
Following a decline in tourist arrivals in 2025 due to security concerns, officials report a rebound this year driven by New Year tourism and anticipation around the Winter Games.
Domestic tourist arrivals, which had dropped significantly compared to 2024 figures, are now recovering steadily — a trend attributed partly to renewed confidence in Kashmir’s tourism sector and major sporting events like the Khelo India Winter Games.
Khelo Bharat Niti in Action
The Winter Games align closely with the vision of Khelo Bharat Niti, which promotes:
- Sports infrastructure development
- Talent identification
- International competitiveness
- Growth in tourism, sports technology and manufacturing
As Gulmarg prepares for another high-altitude sporting spectacle, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 stand as more than just a competition. They reflect how sports-led policy can stimulate economic activity, strengthen national unity and position Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination in India.
