Khelo India Winter Games 2026: Gulmarg Hosts Premier Winter Sports Event Again
Gulmarg Welcomes Khelo India Winter Games for the Sixth Time
Gulmarg, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to host the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 from February 23 to 26, marking its sixth consecutive year as the venue for this prestigious event. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his pride in this achievement, highlighting the participation of elite Indian skiers, including Winter Olympians, across various snow sports disciplines.
In a statement to the media, Abdullah emphasized the significance of hosting the Games for six years in a row, reinforcing Gulmarg's reputation as a leading winter sports hub in India. He remarked, "It is a remarkable achievement that the Khelo India Winter Games are being held here for the sixth time, showcasing that there is no better venue for winter sports than Gulmarg."
However, he also pointed out the challenges posed by changing weather patterns, noting that the warmer February temperatures were once unimaginable. Abdullah stressed the need for adaptation, suggesting that facilities for artificial snow might be necessary in the future to ensure the successful execution of winter sports events.
"The reality is that weather conditions are shifting. We never anticipated such warmth in Gulmarg during February, but we must accept this change. I have discussed the necessary steps we need to take moving forward. Today, winter sports globally rely on artificial snow, and we will need to provide similar facilities here," he stated.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is also a testament to the Khelo Bharat Niti, a sports initiative introduced by the Union Sports Ministry in July of the previous year. This policy aims to enhance infrastructure, identify talent, and improve international competitiveness while leveraging sports for economic growth and boosting sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and sports technology.
The history of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is impressive. The inaugural event in March 2020 saw 1,123 athletes competing in 13 disciplines, with Jammu and Kashmir leading the medal tally. In 2021, participation grew to 1,208 athletes, and J-K secured 18 gold medals. By 2023, the number of participants reached 1,395, with J-K winning 26 gold, 25 silver, and 25 bronze medals. Although the editions in 2024 and 2025 featured fewer disciplines and participants, the competition intensified, with strong performances from teams including the Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. Gulmarg's energy remained high throughout these events.