New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the dates for the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, scheduled from February 23 to 26 in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This marks the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG).

The initial leg of KIWG 2026, which showcased ice sports, took place successfully in Ladakh from January 20 to 26, while Gulmarg will be the venue for the snow sports events. The Indian Army aims to defend its overall championship title in Jammu & Kashmir.

“The Gulmarg leg is well-timed following the Winter Olympics, making it an ideal moment to host the Khelo India Winter Games. We had a remarkable initial phase in Leh (Ladakh), and we anticipate similar enthusiasm in Jammu & Kashmir as athletes contend with nature and challenging conditions,” stated Dr Mandaviya.

“Each season of the Khelo India Winter Games has showcased thrilling performances and intensified competition. In Leh, the inclusion of figure skating heightened the competitive spirit, and in Gulmarg, we're expecting impressive timings on the Kongdoori slopes,” he remarked.

Before the inception of the Khelo India Winter Games, winter sports in India had limited visibility and structured competition. Ice and snow disciplines were largely niche activities with minimal public interest and sporadic athlete participation at the international level.

The Khelo India Winter Games have substantially revolutionized India's winter sports landscape by establishing a national competitive platform for both ice and snow sports, significantly boosting participation, performance standards, and public awareness. Previously a marginal segment, winter sports are now evolving into a structured talent pipeline.

This transformation is evident in international performances. Indian winter athletes are beginning to secure podium finishes and competitive results overseas, indicating the rise of a new generation of talent. Notably, Indian figure skater Tara Prasad has achieved medal-winning performances in international competitions, while the Indian women’s ice hockey team made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup, marking India’s first podium finish in an international ice hockey championship. The team also celebrated significant victories during the tournament, showcasing the rapid advancements in ice sports globally.

These accomplishments underscore how the Khelo India Winter Games are establishing a strong foundation for ongoing international participation, moving India past a phase where participation in the Winter Olympics was limited to one or no athletes. With regular domestic competitions, exposure to high-pressure environments, and growing depth across various disciplines, this positive trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

The timing of the Gulmarg leg for KIWG 2026 is strategically important, as it follows the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026, where India is represented by alpine skier Arif Khan and cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup. This will help maintain global momentum, enthusiasm, and competitive energy as we transition into the domestic winter sports calendar, ensuring ongoing athlete motivation, public interest, and national focus on winter sports development.

Gulmarg will host four medal disciplines: Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding, with approximately 400 athletes expected to participate, and Alpine Skiing attracting the most participants.

At the close of the KIWG 2025 season, the Indian Army led the team standings with 18 medals, while Himachal Pradesh secured second place, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. By the end of the KIWG 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana topped the medal tally with four gold medals, all won by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.