Khelo India Winter Games 2026 begins in Gulmarg with 400 athletes from 30 states competing in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and more. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurates the four-day winter sports mega event in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games officially begins today at the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg, transforming the picturesque Himalayan resort into the epicenter of India’s winter sports movement. The four-day mega event, running from February 23 to 26, marks yet another milestone in the country’s push to strengthen competitive winter athletics.
The games will be formally inaugurated by Manoj Sinha, who will flag off the sporting extravaganza in the presence of senior officials, athletes, and sports enthusiasts. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, nearly 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories have registered to participate, reflecting growing national interest in winter disciplines.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, expressed confidence in the smooth execution of the event. She confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been meticulously planned. With substantial snowfall this season, Gulmarg’s world-renowned ski slopes are expected to provide ideal competitive conditions. “The participation is encouraging, and with good snow cover, the games are set for great success,” she stated.
This year’s edition features four major medal disciplines: ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country), and snowboarding. Alpine skiing has attracted the highest number of registrations, underlining its popularity among Indian winter athletes. Gulmarg’s high-altitude terrain and advanced skiing infrastructure make it one of the premier winter sports destinations in South Asia.
The first leg of KIWG 2026 was conducted in Leh from January 20 to 26, where ice sports competitions were successfully completed. Notably, all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have been hosted in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance in promoting winter sports tourism and athletic excellence.
At the conclusion of the Leh leg, Haryana topped the medal tally with four gold medals, primarily secured by figure and ice skaters. Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana followed closely, showcasing competitive depth across multiple states.
The official mascot of the games, ‘Sheen-E-She (Shan),’ symbolizes the snow leopard — a powerful representation of resilience, agility, and adaptability. The mascot reflects the Himalayan spirit and the vision of elevating Indian winter sports onto a broader national stage.
In addition to sporting excitement, the event is taking place amid heightened administrative preparedness. Senior civil and security officials have conducted multiple inspections to ensure smooth coordination, crowd management, and athlete safety. The region is also preparing to welcome C. P. Radhakrishnan, who will visit Kashmir on February 26 as the chief guest at the 21st convocation ceremony of University of Kashmir.
The convergence of major sporting and academic events within the same week highlights the renewed focus on projecting Kashmir as a stable, vibrant hub for national activities.
| Also Read: Greece’s Stefanos Sakellaridis lifts Delhi Open 2026 singles title |
As the tricolor flutters against Gulmarg’s snow-laden peaks, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 stand as a powerful testament to India’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and strengthening its winter sports ecosystem.
