Srinagar, Mar 09: The second phase of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 has officially begun in Gulmarg, North Kashmir, attracting over 550 athletes nationwide. The grand opening ceremony, held on Sunday, marked the start of an exciting competition that will run until March 12, showcasing a range of winter sports.
The first day of events included thrilling competitions in ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing, with athletes racing across 5-10 kilometres at the breathtaking Kingdori peak, near the Golf Club. As the games progress, participants are eager to demonstrate their skills and vie for medals, creating an electric atmosphere at the venue.
The event is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Kashmir Valley. With thousands of visitors flocking to the region for the games, local businesses and hotels are anticipating a surge in visitors, boosting both the economy and the region’s global profile. Gulmarg, already known for its stunning natural beauty and winter sports facilities, is poised to benefit from the increased exposure, further establishing Kashmir as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
In terms of security, authorities have taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the CRPF and other agencies, have set up an extensive security network, including strict access controls, CCTV surveillance, and regular patrols, ensuring smooth and secure operations throughout the games.
The day’s events culminated in a medal ceremony where the first set of winners were recognized for their exceptional performances. A night ski demonstration followed, offering a spectacular display of skills on the slopes. The event included a vibrant entertainment program, featuring a beam light show, a scarecrow torch display, dance performances, fireworks, and speeches from dignitaries, including Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and Sports Minister Satish Sharma.
Originally scheduled for February 22, the games were delayed due to a lack of snow but have now been rescheduled to take place after a fresh snowfall, ensuring the event will proceed as planned. This year’s Winter Games follow the success of the first leg in Ladakh, setting the stage for an unforgettable winter sports experience in Kashmir.
Medalists:
Snowboarding Slalom (Men)
Gold: Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K)
Silver: Zubair Ahmad Lone (J&K)
Bronze: Vivek Rana (Army)
Snowboarding Slalom (Women)
Gold: Menka Gunjiyal (Uttrakhand)
Silver: Sakshi Thakur (Himachal Pradesh)
Bronze: Natasha Maher (Himachal Prades)
Ski Mountaineering Men’s Spirint
Gold: Rajeshwar Singh (Army)
Silver: Siddharth (Maharashtra)
Bronze: Mayank Dimri (Uttrakhand)
Alpine Skiing Slalom
Gold: Yogesh Kumar (HP)
Silver: Jigmet Rafastan (Army)
Bronze: Bakir Hussain (Army)
Nordic Skiing (5 km Women)
Gold: Bhawani Thekkada (KAR)
Silver: Selma Soreng (ITBP)
Bronze Kusum Rana (ITBP)
