GULMARG: The pristine snow-covered slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg roared to life on Sunday as the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 began with a dazzling display of skill, speed, and resilience. Athletes from across the country took to the slopes, competing fiercely in a series of high-intensity events that showcased the very best of India’s winter sports talent.
The event – the second leg – started early in the morning and later Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed the athletes and team officials from across the country. The games started in Leh earlier and the second part is to be played in Gulmarg. “Khelo India Winter Games symbolizes the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The world-famous winter tourism destination Gulmarg has been developed as a winter sports city. I welcome you all,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He urged the athletes to display passion, enthusiasm, courage, and sportsmanship, stating that true champions are defined by their spirit rather than victories or defeats.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Department for their efforts in promoting a robust sports culture. “I am proud of what we have achieved in the last four and a half years. Today, Jammu and Kashmir has become home to national and international sporting events. The success of previous editions of Khelo India Winter Games and our sportspersons’ inspirational journeys reflect our sporting power,” he added.
The opening day was marked by adrenaline-pumping contests, with participants not only facing off against each other but also braving the elements. The excitement among spectators was palpable as skiers and snowboarders demonstrated their prowess on the icy terrain, each vying for glory in their respective disciplines.
In the Men’s Snowboarding Slalom, Jammu and Kashmir’s Mehrajuddin Khan claimed gold with a flawless run, while his state-mate Zubair Ahmad Lone secured silver in an electrifying finish. Vivek Rana from the Army took home the bronze, rounding off a fiercely contested event that kept the audience on edge.
The Women’s Snowboarding Slalom event saw Menka Gunjiyal of Uttarakhand glide to victory, securing the gold medal. Himachal Pradesh’s Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Maher clinched silver and bronze, respectively, in a race that tested both agility and speed.
The Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint event proved to be a true test of endurance and agility, with Rajeshwar Singh of the Army seizing the gold. Siddharth from Maharashtra put up a strong fight to earn silver, while Mayank Dimri of Uttarakhand secured the bronze medal.
In the Alpine Skiing Slalom event, Yogesh Kumar from Himachal Pradesh emerged victorious with a masterful display of control and precision, winning gold. The Army’s Jigmet Rafastan claimed silver, while his teammate Bakir Hussain took bronze, adding to the Army’s growing medal tally.
The final event of the day, the Women’s 5 km Nordic Skiing, saw Karnataka’s Bhawani Thekkada ski her way to gold. ITBP athletes Selma Soreng and Kusum Rana earned silver and bronze, respectively, in an endurance-testing contest.
Beyond the competition, the true spirit of the Khelo India Winter Games was evident in the jubilant celebrations of the athletes. The snow-laden slopes of Gulmarg transformed into a playground of joy as victors and participants alike revelled in their shared love for winter sports.
“It’s not just about winning. It’s about feeling the adrenaline rush, pushing your limits, and embracing the beauty of the mountains,” said gold medalist Mehrajuddin Khan, his breath visible in the crisp mountain air.
Other athletes echoed similar sentiments. “Competing here, amidst these majestic peaks, is an experience like no other. The camaraderie among athletes makes it even more special,” said a participant.
The inaugural day of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 proved to be an unforgettable spectacle, setting the stage for even more thrilling action in the days to come. As the competition heats up, Gulmarg’s pristine slopes are set to witness more moments of triumph and unyielding determination.
Medal Winners:
Snowboarding Slalom (Men):
Gold: Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K)
Silver: Zubair Ahmad Lone (J&K)
Bronze: Vivek Rana (Army)
Snowboarding Slalom (Women):
Gold: Menka Gunjiyal (Uttarakhand)
Silver: Sakshi Thakur (Himachal Pradesh)
Bronze: Natasha Maher (Himachal Pradesh)
Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint:
Gold: Rajeshwar Singh (Army)
Silver: Siddharth (Maharashtra)
Bronze: Mayank Dimri (Uttarakhand)
Alpine Skiing Slalom:
Gold: Yogesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh)
Silver: Jigmet Rafastan (Army)
Bronze: Bakir Hussain (Army)
Nordic Skiing (5 km Women):
Gold: Bhawani Thekkada (Karnataka)
Silver: Selma Soreng (ITBP)
Bronze: Kusum Rana (ITBP)
