The picturesque town of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is all set to host the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled from February 22 to 25, 2025. The event aims to not only showcase the athletic talent of the participants but also position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier global tourist destination, particularly for adventure enthusiasts and winter sports lovers.
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Strategic Planning and Coordination
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to assess the preparations for the event. Officials from various departments, including Youth Services & Sports (YS&S), Culture, Tourism, and the local administration, participated in the discussions, ensuring a seamless coordination of efforts. Dulloo emphasized leveraging the event to promote J&K’s tourism potential, especially highlighting Gulmarg’s status as India’s top skiing destination.
He suggested exploring Heliskiing competitions for professional skiers and incorporating international-level contests to attract global attention.
Gulmarg to Host 5th Edition of Khelo India Winter Games: A Step Towards Global Tourism Promotion.
Sporting Events and Participation
The winter games will feature competitions in:
Alpine Skiing
Nordic Skiing
Ski Mountaineering
Snowboarding
Approximately 30 teams with 1,000 athletes and officials from various states and sports boards across India will participate.
Key Highlights of the Event
Grand Opening and Cultural Showcases:
The games will kick off on February 22 with a grand opening ceremony.
Cultural evenings, laser shows, and a drone display are planned to entertain participants and visitors.
Facilities for Athletes:
Participants will be housed in 3-star and 4-star hotels at Gulmarg for their comfort.
Promotion of Local Crafts and Cuisine:
Stalls showcasing Kashmiri handicrafts and cuisine will be set up to promote local trades, providing economic opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs.
Live Telecast:
The events will be professionally managed by event managers and telecast live on Doordarshan.
Preparations in Full Swing
To ensure the smooth conduct of the games, committees have been formed to manage:
Security and Traffic Management
Sanitation and Health Services
Uninterrupted Power and Water Supply
The Chief Secretary directed departments to make contingency arrangements for cold weather, including organizing nighttime cultural programs and demonstrations. He also urged the YS&S Department to create a year-round adventure activity calendar in coordination with the Tourism Department.
Tourism Boost for Jammu and Kashmir
The Khelo India Winter Games provide an excellent platform to highlight the region’s potential as a global hub for winter sports. Hosting such high-profile events underscores Gulmarg’s natural beauty and world-class facilities, making it a sought-after destination for adventure tourism.
With meticulous planning and enthusiastic participation, the 5th Khelo India Winter Games promise to be a grand spectacle, fostering sports and tourism hand in hand.
