Synopsis
Despite the snowfall, the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg showcased remarkable athleticism. Athletes from across the country competed fiercely in various snow sports, highlighting their perseverance and dedication. Medal winners emerged in multiple categories, showcasing the spirit of winter sports.Key Takeaways
- Gulmarg continues to attract visitors with its winter charm.
- Athletes displayed exceptional dedication at the Khelo India Winter Games.
- Numerous medals were awarded in various snow sports categories.
- Champions from previous events reaffirmed their skills.
- Endurance training played a crucial role in athletes' successes.
Gulmarg, March 10 (NationPress) The early morning snowfall in Gulmarg heralded the persistence of winter's chill, captivating visitors at this renowned high-altitude tourist spot.
However, the Khelo India Winter Games experienced a shift in weather following a sunny inaugural day.
The dedication and enthusiasm of the athletes elevated the ambiance amidst the white snow as all planned events proceeded as scheduled, promoting the authentic spirit of winter sports.
Numerous competitors from various parts of the country vied for titles in different snow sports disciplines, including Vertical Ski Mountaineering, Snowboard Giant Slalom, and Sprint.
Some established champions from previous Khelo India Winter Games once again displayed their prowess, firmly establishing their claims for medals with remarkable success.
In the Winter Games held at Kangdoori, Siddhartha Gadekar from Pune, Maharashtra, earned the Gold Medal in the men's Vertical Ski Mountaineering event today, adding to his medal collection from Sunday.
While celebrating his victory, he revealed that his consistent endurance training led to this achievement. He expressed his gratitude to the KIWG authorities for providing a platform that allows athletes to showcase their hidden potential.
Gadekar aims to participate in international sporting events and hopes to build upon his current performance for future competitions.
Shardul Thapliyal and Himanshu Singh, both hailing from Himachal Pradesh, secured Silver and Bronze medals in the same event, respectively.
Tenzin Dolma from Himachal Pradesh claimed Gold in today's women's Vertical Ski Mountaineering, marking her first medal at the KIWGs.
As an Ultra Trail Runner, Dolma found the competition manageable since the endurance she developed over time rewarded her with success.
In the same event, Natasha Mahar from Himachal Pradesh improved her performance from yesterday to win Silver, whereas Manek Gunjiyal of Uttarakhand, who triumphed in the Women’s Snowboarding Slalom on Sunday, faced challenges today and had to settle for Bronze.
Gunjiyal, a Gold medallist from KIWG-2024, is well-acquainted with the slopes of Gulmarg, which she attributes to her success.
Regarding her perseverance, she mentioned that practicing during the snow season helped her build essential stamina for high-altitude competitions.
In the Nordic Ski Sprint, ITBP athletes dominated, sweeping all three medals in the event. The ITBP team members Kulsum Rana, Selma Soreng, and Anjana Devi claimed Gold, Silver, and Bronze, respectively.
The men’s Nordic Ski Sprint saw the Army athletes excel as Manjeet, Shubam Parihar, and Sunny Singh secured Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, respectively, leaving other competitors far behind in the snow.
Zubair Ahmad Lone from J&K fiercely competed in the Snowboard Giant Slalom event, overcoming thirty participants to win Gold, while Kulvinder Sharma and Karan Sing of the Army took Silver and Bronze.
In the Women’s Alpine Giant Slalom category, Himachal Pradesh celebrated a successful day with a clean sweep of all three medals, as Anchal Thakur, Tanuja Thakur, and Suhani Thakur took home Gold, Silver, and Bronze amidst cheers from the audience.
In the Men's Alpine Giant Slalom, Sunil Kumar from the Army, Atul Bhat from ITBP, and Yogesh Kumar from Himachal Pradesh achieved Gold, Silver, and Bronze, respectively.
It will be exciting to see which teams dominate the final medal tally of the KIWGs.
