Excitement builds in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, where the sixth Khelo India Winter Games open on Monday amid stunning snowy vistas. This premier four-day festival of frozen thrills features elite competitions from February 23 to 26.
The opening ceremony will see Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha give the green light, with 400 competitors from 30 states and UTs ready to shine. Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul highlighted the event’s potential: ‘Ideal snow in Gulmarg ensures a triumphant outing for our 400 participants.’
Following Leh’s successful first leg, Gulmarg continues the legacy – all six Games editions have unfolded here or in Ladakh. Athletes chase glory in four disciplines: ski mountaineering, the highly subscribed alpine skiing, cross-country Nordic skiing, and dynamic snowboarding.
Haryana topped the previous leaderboard with four ice skating golds, with Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana close behind. Mascot ‘Sheen-e-Shah (Shaan)’, the snow leopard, captures the essence of perseverance in harsh terrains.
Meticulous preparations, supervised by senior officials, guarantee top-notch facilities. These Games bridge regional expertise with national aspirations, unearthing stars and solidifying India’s winter sports foundation for the future.