JAMMU, JAN 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), scheduled to take place from February 22 to 25, 2025, at the renowned Gulmarg ski resort.
The meeting focused on ensuring the smooth conduct of the event and further enhancing Jammu & Kashmir’s status as a premier winter sports destination.
Attendees included Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and senior officials from various departments.
Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary for Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), presented a detailed overview, highlighting the success of the 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games, which boosted Gulmarg and Kashmir’s recognition as a global winter tourism hub. He confirmed that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been entrusted with hosting the 5th edition of the event.
The event will be conducted in two phases: the first in Ladakh (January 23 to 27) and the second in Gulmarg (February 22 to 25). Over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories, and sports boards are expected to compete in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and snowshoe racing.
Venues for the event will include Kongdoori and Gulmarg Club. The meeting also reviewed the organizational framework, including logistics, technical arrangements, and the funding provided by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Committees for coordination, registration, and logistics have already been formed, and registrations are underway.
The event’s mascot, a snow leopard, was unveiled, symbolizing the region’s rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. The logo and mascot are featured in publicity campaigns across major cities and airports, including Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar.
The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is handling pre-event, event, and post-event coverage. The games will be televised live on DD Sports and streamed on various online platforms. Local communities are encouraged to engage through the slogan “Aes Che Praraan” (We Are Waiting).
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring seamless coordination and preparedness for unforeseen situations, including accidents. He asked for the inclusion of prominent sports celebrities to enhance the event’s visibility.
A commemorative souvenir was released, and a multimedia campaign—including print, electronic, and social media—was launched to promote the games.
CM Omar Abdullah expressed confidence in the preparations and reiterated the government’s commitment to making the 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games a grand success, highlighting Jammu & Kashmir’s potential as a hub for winter sports and tourism.
