Gulmarg Kicks Off the Sixth Khelo India Winter Games
As thousands of athletes converge on the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir, the 6th Khelo India Winter Games are proving to be more than just a sporting competition. Inside the massive push for international infrastructure, climate resilience, and a unified nation.
The picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg witnessed a spectacular convergence of talent and ambition as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games on Monday, February 23, 2026. This mega winter sports event stands as a celebration of the sporting legacy of the nation. It highlights unity and the transformative power of sports that binds every citizen and athlete. The event ignites their drive and forges an unbreakable character while bringing athletes from every corner of the country to the snow covered peaks of Kashmir.
What began years ago as a modest attempt to mainstream alpine disciplines has now, in the words of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, “evolved from a simple sporting event into a true national festival.” As a biting wind swept across the Kongdoori slopes, the atmosphere remained electric, with approximately 1,000 athletes and officials from across the country descending upon this picturesque resort. The “Meadow of Flowers” has been transformed into a vibrant mosaic of India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, bringing together competitors from every corner of the nation to test their mettle against the raw elements of the Himalayas.
The inaugural ceremony, held against a backdrop of pristine powder, was a masterclass in sports diplomacy and national vision. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the event’s chief guest, spoke not just of medals and podiums, but of the “transformative power of sports” in building a unified national identity.
“The mega winter sports event is a celebration of our nation’s sporting legacy, its unity and the transformative power of sports that binds every citizen and athlete, igniting their drive and forging unbreakable character,” Sinha declared to a crowd of athletes, officials, and enthusiastic locals. For the Lieutenant Governor, the slopes of Gulmarg serve as a meritocratic sanctuary where traditional social divides vanish. He emphasized that in this high-altitude arena, the only currency is talent, discipline, and grit. “On these Ski slopes of Gulmarg, athletes’ identity hinges solely on performance; every result reflects your skills, discipline, and grit, crafting new champions,” he said, addressing the rows of competitive skiers and snowboarders. Beyond the immediate thrill of competition, Sinha framed the Games as a tool for peace and reconciliation, noting that the event serves as a “universal language” in a nation of myriad traditions.
“Khelo India Winter Games revive the sporting spirit’s ideals of peace, equality, and camaraderie. In our vibrant, diverse nation of myriad languages, cultures, and traditions, the Winter Games at Gulmarg is serving as a universal language and shared heritage.” He reminded the athletes that the friction of competition often produces the warmth of lifelong connection.
“Intense rivalry yields shared conversations and lasting friendships, proving healthy competition and mutual respect coexist. Our people need this ethos now more than ever. As you race these Ski slopes, remember: diversity is our strength, not division. Khelo India reminds us our language may differ, but our goals and values unite us. When athletes from diverse states train together, compete fiercely, and cheer one another, barriers of language, culture, and region dissolve before the sporting spirit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
While the Lieutenant Governor focused on the spiritual and nationalistic heart of the Games, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah brought a pragmatic, forward-looking edge to the proceedings. Clad in winter gear and speaking with the urgency of a leader who sees both the beauty and the fragility of his region, Abdullah articulated a bold vision to make Gulmarg a permanent fixture on the global skiing map.
“Not only it is our intention, but our full effort is to develop Gulmarg as an international ski resort,” Abdullah stated, emphasizing that such a transformation would provide much-needed “economic security to all those connected with tourism,” from the luxury hoteliers to the local sledge operators and ski instructors. However, the Chief Minister did not shy away from the challenges posed by a changing climate. The erratic snowfall patterns of recent years have made the “natural” conduct of the Games a gamble, a reality that the Chief Minister addressed with candid honesty.
“The truth is we cannot rely solely on nature,” the CM observed. “We decide the dates for the Games at the beginning of the year without knowing when snowfall will occur or how much snow will be there. I request the organizers not to fix dates in advance. Let us decide to hold the Games 10 to 15 days after sufficient snowfall.” To mitigate these risks, Abdullah made a landmark call for technological intervention and modernized infrastructure.
“Time has come for us to move towards artificial snow generation. I understand concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we do not create this infrastructure, a day may come when we will not even be able to ski in Gulmarg, and that would be truly unfortunate.” His eyes are clearly set on the podiums of the Winter Olympics and the Asian Winter Games. Citing the pride felt for India’s own Arif Khan, who represented the country on the world stage, Abdullah expressed a desire to see the “narrative change” for India in winter sports.
“It is a matter of regret that despite our vast population, we have not yet secured a medal in the Asian Winter Games or the Olympic Winter Games. Whether you are a skier, skater or associated with any winter sport, I hope one among you will change that narrative. In this 6th Khelo India Winter Games, I welcome all players, team members, ladies and gentlemen to your beautiful flowery valley—Gulmarg. A few weeks ago, we witnessed intense cold here. We had no idea that when the Games begin, there would be such warmth that skiing would become challenging. We may have to make some adjustments.”
Over the next three days, Gulmarg will witness high-octane action in four primary disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding, and Ski Mountaineering. The Lieutenant Governor noted that these sports pit the human spirit directly against the raw power of nature.
“Winter games pit Skiers against nature itself, where excelling demands extraordinary prowess and over the coming days, we will witness that prowess, alongside technical mastery, the poise from years of practice, unyielding resolve, and superhuman endurance,” Sinha said. He urged the athletes to embrace the lessons found in the struggle of the mountain.
“Winter Games at Gulmarg mirror life’s raw challenges, building the resilience that propels future triumphs. Falling, analyzing errors, rising improved—these are sports’ true lessons, ones Skiers will live here. In disciplines like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, athletes’ rigorous training and unwavering dedication will shine through.”
The transformation of the sporting landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has been supported by significant investment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and the creation of 100 Khelo India Centres have provided the bedrock for this 6th edition.
Lieutenant Governor emphasized that modern infrastructure, coupled with the talent and dedication of J&K’s youth and the proactive support of dedicated officials, has provided a massive impetus to the sector. For the local residents of the region, the Games represent more than just a trophy; they are a critical lifeline for the economy. Chief Minister Abdullah underscored the livelihood dimension of winter tourism, noting that the entire community, from sledge pullers to ATV drivers, depends on the success of these events. “People associated with tourism like sledge operators, ski guides, ski instructors, ATV drivers, all make their living from this snow. It is our duty to provide the means and infrastructure that promote tourism and ensure its sustenance.”
As the athletes prepare for the grueling races ahead, the underlying message from both leaders remained one of sportsmanship and the cultivation of inner strength. The Lieutenant Governor reminded the participants that “true character reveals itself not just in victory, but in adversity,” urging them to uphold the highest standards of the game.
“A real athlete remains humble in triumph and dignified in defeat. On the 26th February, at the closing ceremony of 6th Khelo India Winter Games’ success won’t be measured by medals alone, but by the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and relentless pursuit of excellence.” The Chief Minister echoed this sentiment of participation, encouraging the athletes to enjoy their time in the valley regardless of the final scoreboard.
“I once again welcome all players who have come from across the country. I hope the next three days are wonderful for you. As always said, winning is not as important as participating. You have come here to participate, and we thank you for that.” As the first skiers took to the slopes today, the message was clear: Gulmarg is no longer just a destination for tourists; it is the forge where India’s winter sporting future is being hammered out, one turn at a time. The 6th Khelo India Winter Games serve as a testament to the fact that while language and culture may differ across the Indian landscape, the goals and values of the sporting spirit unite the nation in a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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