Synopsis
The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 commence today in Gulmarg, with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir officiating the inaugural ceremony. This event showcases various winter sports and involves over 350 athletes from multiple regions. The Army aims to defend its title amidst a competitive field.Key Takeaways
- Khelo India Winter Games 2025 launched in Gulmarg.
- Over 350 athletes participating from various states.
- Focus on four main disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and Snowboarding.
- First segment held in Ladakh with impressive medal counts.
- Strong security measures in place for a safe event.
Gulmarg, March 9, IANS - The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 is set to commence today against the stunning backdrop of the snow-covered peaks of Gulmarg.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, will arrive from Jammu to officiate the opening ceremony.
The concluding phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 promises thrilling performances that aim to enhance the prominence of winter sports in India.
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) represent a national-level multidisciplinary grassroots initiative showcasing various winter sports. Events featured include skiing, alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snow rugby, ice stock sport, snow baseball, mountaineering, snowshoe running, ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating.
The inaugural Khelo India Winter Games was established in 2020 following the successful run of the Khelo India Youth Games.
During the first segment of the KIWG 2025, Ladakh emerged victorious, securing a total of seven medals, including four gold ones.
Tamil Nadu followed closely with five medals, three of which were gold, while Maharashtra finished third with ten medals, of which only two were gold.
As the final leg commences in Gulmarg, the Army aims to reclaim and defend its overall championship title.
With over 350 athletes from 11 states, two Union Territories, and central forces including the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the competition is highly anticipated.
The event will focus on four principal disciplines: Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and Snowboarding.
Initially delayed due to inadequate snowfall, the event now returns to offer pristine slopes for an exceptional experience.
The inauguration, initially planned from February 22 to 25, was postponed due to insufficient snow coverage on the Afarwat slopes and the main bowl in Gulmarg.
Local competitors will also participate across the four disciplines: alpine skiing, nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding.
The first segment of the games was successfully conducted in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, featuring ice hockey and ice skating events at the NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond.
A comprehensive security plan has been established to ensure the safe and smooth execution of the event.
Athletes and officials from various regions are participating while security forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary CRPF, and other security personnel, have been deployed throughout Gulmarg under an organized multi-tier security strategy.
