Winter Sports Fever: Khelo India Games Kick Off in Kashmir’s Gulmarg on Feb 23

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 will kick off in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir , on February 23 , with more than 700 athletes and officials expected to participate. Organisers and local stakeholders expressed optimism that the event would give a significant boost to winter tourism, which had dipped last year following security concerns in the region.

The first leg of the KIWG, for ice events , was held in Leh, Ladakh , from January 20–26 , while the second leg , focusing on snow events , will run in Gulmarg until February 26 . Gulmarg will host four medal disciplines : Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding , with around 400 athletes expected to compete. Alpine Skiing is projected to attract the highest participation.

Good snowfall this winter has ensured excellent conditions for skiing and sledging, allowing organisers to finalise courses and schedules. The Department of Youth Services and Sports has confirmed that roads, medical facilities, and accommodation are ready for athletes, officials, and support staff. A promotional video released by the department quoted local workers saying, “Gulmarg tayyar hai, aapka intezaar hai” (“Gulmarg is ready, we are waiting for you”).

Local guides and tourism operators expressed hope that the games would revive income opportunities. Mohammad Rafeeq Chechi , a ski assistant, said, “Khelo India Winter Games will help us earn our livelihood.” Tourist guide Aijaz Ahmad Wani added that young people in and around Gulmarg depend on tourism. “Tourists have started returning after last year’s drop, and the games could kickstart a good year,” he said. Hotels, ski operators, and transport services have reported an increase in bookings ahead of the event.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the timing of the Gulmarg leg, coming soon after the Winter Olympics, is ideal for promoting winter sports in India. “After a successful first phase in Leh, a similar excitement would be witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.

At the Leh leg of KIWG 2026 , Haryana topped the medal tally , winning four golds in figure and ice skating, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. In the 2025 KIWG season , the Indian Army led with 18 medals , with Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu following.

With ready infrastructure, good snowfall, and enthusiastic local support, Gulmarg is set to host a high-profile winter sporting event while rejuvenating tourism in the region.