Despite the challenges posed by the avalanche and concerns about safety measures, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg continue, reports Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
During the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, an avalanche hit the Afarwat area. It added a lot of tension and tons of publicity to the event which witnessed the participation of more than 800 athletes from across the country.
The avalanche occurred around 2 pm on February 22, 2024, engulfing the Kongdoori slopes and trapping numerous skiers, including three foreigners. One witness described the event as sudden and overwhelming, with the snow descending rapidly and trapping everyone in its path. It eventually saw the death of a Russian skier, Ahtoh Bnktopobny Anton, 40, and all others were somehow rescued in time. (Interestingly, Russia lost two servicemen in another avalanche in South Ossetia, hours before the Gulmarg incident.)
Amidst the rescue efforts, concerns mounted regarding safety measures, particularly the absence of local ski guides accompanying foreigners on the slopes. An eyewitness lamented over the decision of Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) which runs the hugely profitable Gulmarg Gondola, to deny free rides to the local ski guides, a tradition for many decades.
“Every time, there was an avalanche, the local ski guides were around,” he said. “This is for the first time that we were far away. Cable Car seeks a ticket for every ride which we cannot afford so this (tragedy) happened this way.”
What was interesting was that the avalanche hit Khilanmarg, an area far away from the Khelo India slopes. The Russians were skiing at off-designated slopes in the backcountry.
Avalanche Season
The avalanche in Gulmarg followed a similar incident in Sonamarg the day before. It was an avalanche that was recorded live by people. Late January and most of February are witnessing avalanches in most of the area having hard slopes. This is normal. This is precisely why a full-fledged ski patrol is deployed in Gulmarg where chances of such situations are routine. At places, the patrol triggers avalanches so that it does not endanger lives later.
Normally, slopes are treated so that these suit the skiing. Gulmarg Development Authority has imported two Kasse Bohrer snow-beating machines when the spot hosted the first national winter games. There are heliskiing also taking place at Gulmarg but the delayed snow prevented that this year.
The Game Is On
Amidst delayed snowfall and the killer avalanche, the Khelo India Winter Games continued at Gulmarg without any interruption. Organized collaboratively by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, the Jammu Kashmir Sports Council, and various stakeholders, athletes from 20 states and union territories converge to compete in snowboarding, Alpine skiing, and other disciplines.
The fourth edition of the competition commenced with fervour with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, presiding over the inauguration, underscoring the event’s significance for athletes striving for excellence in their sports.
“I understand the profound importance of this day for all participants of the Khelo India Winter Games,” Sinha said in his address. “These athletes have devoted significant time to prepare for this juncture. My sincere hope is that their hard work culminates in deserving recognition.”
Crowds Return
While the Khelo India Winter Games, attracted athletes nationwide to compete in snow sports. Ideal conditions, courtesy of recent snowfall, promise an exciting showcase of athleticism and skill. Officials said more than 1200 participants, comprising 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, and over 250 volunteers. With 136 medals up for grabs, anticipation runs high for intense competition and moments of victory.
LG Sinha revealed ambitious plans for enhancing the region’s sports infrastructure, heralding a transformative period for athletics. “We have seen significant progress in sports infrastructure throughout Jammu and Kashmir, and our journey of development continues,” stated Sinha.
Sinha expressed sincere appreciation to the Union Ministry of Sports for their support in organising the winter games, underscoring the collaborative effort propelling Jammu and Kashmir towards sporting excellence.
Nitish Pramanik, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, remarked that Kashmir is poised to emerge as a premier winter sports destination, potentially surpassing Switzerland. He noted a trend where athletes from Switzerland, renowned for its snow-capped mountains, are now drawn to India for winter sports. Pramanik highlighted the growing sporting fervour in the country, evident in the enthusiastic participation in the Khelo India event despite the chilly weather.
Russian Skier Died In the Avalanche He Triggered Over Gulmarg Slopes
Infra Deficit
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is a passionate skier. He spent many days skiing on the slopes. He fell and got up and showed it to everybody that fall does not take you off the scene. He spoke about the relevant infrastructure as well.
“Skiing in Gulmarg has its own charm, but I have noticed the skiing infrastructure is the same that we had left in 2014. Nothing new has been added in the past 10 years,” Abdullah Jr told reporters. “There was probably just one time (in two days) that the Gondola (cable car) went up interrupted.”
The lack of adequate facilities, he said, could be the reason why many skiers who were in love with Gulmarg, now prefer Kazakhstan. “My request to the Central government is that they should not look at Gulmarg only from the perspective of holding Khelo India games but develop the place into a complete skiing destination.”
