SRINAGAR: More than 1,000 athletes from across 35 states, Union Territories, and sports boards will gather at Gulmarg for the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), scheduled from February 22 to 25, 2025.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations for the event, which aims to cement Jammu & Kashmir’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports. The games will feature competitions in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and a demonstration sport, snowshoe racing, across venues like Kongdoori and Gulmarg Club.
The meeting was attended by top officials, including Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and other senior representatives from various departments. Commissioner Secretary YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, highlighted the success of the previous edition, which significantly boosted the region’s appeal as a global winter tourism destination.
This year’s games will be held in two phases, with the first phase already underway in Ladakh from 23 to 27 January, followed by the second phase in Gulmarg. The event is being funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, and has seen extensive preparations, including the establishment of committees for coordination, registration, and logistics.
The mascot for the 5th edition, a snow leopard symbolising the region’s biodiversity, has been unveiled, alongside the event’s official logo. Publicity campaigns are in full swing, with displays at major airports and cities like Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar. The games will be broadcast live on DD Sports and other online platforms, with additional coverage through AIR and Prasar Bharati.
The event will also feature cultural evenings, a grand opening ceremony, and comprehensive arrangements for transportation, health services, water supply, sanitation, and food for participants. A help desk at Srinagar Airport will assist arriving teams and officials on 21 February.
Chief Minister Abdullah expressed confidence in the preparations and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the event’s success. He emphasised seamless coordination, preparedness for unforeseen circumstances, and the involvement of prominent sports personalities to enhance the event’s visibility.
Additionally, the Chief Minister launched a multimedia campaign and released a commemorative souvenir for the games. He lauded the efforts of all stakeholders and underlined the importance of showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s potential as a hub for winter sports and tourism.
With the theme “Aes Che Praraan” (We Are Waiting), the event is expected to engage local communities while highlighting the region’s unique cultural and natural offerings.
