Gulmarg, Mar 2: The recent heavy snowfall across Kashmir has reignited hopes for hosting the much-anticipated Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg. The fresh snow has covered the resort’s famous ski slopes, boosting the chances of the prestigious winter sports event taking place as planned.
Earlier, concerns had been raised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the insufficient snow-fall, which had cast doubt on the event’s scheduling. However, with the recent weather change, officials are optimistic and expect an official announcement on the event’s dates in the coming days.
A senior official from the Jammu and Kashmir administration said, “The fresh snowfall in Gul-marg and other higher reaches is a positive development. We expect an official announcement on the Winter Games in the coming days. This event is crucial for the economy, sports, and tourism sector of the region.”
Gulmarg, internationally recognized as a premier destination for winter sports, continues to draw athletes and adventure enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. The Khelo India Winter Games have played a key role in positioning Gulmarg as a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an avid skier himself, expressed hope that the recent snowfall would allow the event to take place as scheduled. “If the predicted snowfall continues for the next few days, we can schedule the Khelo India Winter Games in the first week of March. Be-yond that, rising temperatures could pose a challenge,” Abdullah remarked during a recent skiing session in Gulmarg.
Since the abrogation of Article 370, the Khelo India Winter Games have become an important annual event in Jammu and Kashmir, attracting athletes from across the country and helping to boost the local economy by bringing in tourists and sports enthusiasts. However, unpredictable snowfall patterns and the impacts of climate change have posed challenges in recent years.
The fifth edition of the Winter Games was initially slated for February 22-25, 2024, but had to be postponed due to insufficient snowfall. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council had assured that the event would take place once conditions improved. With the fresh snowfall, there is re-newed optimism that the games will go ahead as planned.
The Khelo India Winter Games have been instrumental in developing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent in the region. Experts believe that continued investment in training facilities and event management will help establish Jammu and Kashmir as a global winter sports destination.
“Every year, the event gets bigger, and we see more young athletes taking part. The fresh snow-fall has come as a blessing, and we hope it ensures a successful Winter Games,” said a senior of-ficial from the Sports Council.
With the snow now blanketing the slopes of Gulmarg, excitement is building among athletes, ho-teliers, and sports enthusiasts. The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 are expected to not only showcase top-tier sporting talent but also contribute significantly to the revival of Kashmir’s win-ter tourism industry.
