Gulmarg, Feb 19 (NationPress) The forthcoming Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is set to exemplify the real-world impact of the government’s ambitious Khelo Bharat Niti, showcasing a significant increase in tourism, local economic activity, and national participation in the lead-up to the competition from February 23-26.

Introduced by the Union Sports Ministry in July of the previous year, the Khelo Bharat Niti seeks to enhance India’s sporting framework while utilizing major events to stimulate economic development. It emphasizes infrastructure advancement, talent recognition, and international competitiveness, aiming to uplift associated sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and sports technology.

This vision is already becoming a reality in Gulmarg, a premier winter getaway in Kashmir, where interest from tourists has significantly risen as the Games approach. With India’s elite skiers, including Winter Olympians, ready to compete, excitement is palpable across the region, particularly among those whose livelihoods hinge on sports tourism.

Local enterprises are witnessing a noticeable boost. Abeed, who manages Sheen Woods Tangmarg, reported a surge in bookings well ahead of the event.

“For us, this transcends tourism. It embodies our identity. When the Games are on, Gulmarg feels like the soul of the nation,” he explains, pointing to the lobby bustling with athletes from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir.

“You can hear a medley of languages at breakfast,” he adds. “It’s like a microcosm of the country in one space.”

The growth trajectory of the Winter Games in Gulmarg is evident. The inaugural event in 2020 attracted 1,123 athletes across 13 disciplines, with Jammu & Kashmir leading the medal count. Participation grew to 1,208 athletes in 2021, yielding 18 gold medals for the host region. The 2023 edition peaked with 1,395 athletes, as Jammu & Kashmir clinched 26 gold, 25 silver, and 25 bronze medals. Although the 2024 and 2025 editions featured fewer events and participants, the competition level rose, with teams like the Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka showcasing strong performances.

As the sixth edition approaches, the emphasis is shifting from experimentation to legacy-building, particularly in reviving tourism after challenging times. Following the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, the number of domestic tourists in Kashmir fell drastically to about 10.47 lakh in 2025, down from around 26 lakh in 2024. Nonetheless, tourism officials report a rebound in visitor numbers this year, fueled by the New Year rush and the growing excitement surrounding the Winter Games. Gulmarg’s 2,300 hotel and hut accommodations are already over 50% booked for the event.

In addition to hotels and resorts, the Games are creating vital income opportunities for seasonal workers. On the slopes of Kongdoori, sledge pullers Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Rafiq are gearing up for the expected influx of visitors.

“This is our peak season,” Hussain shares, adjusting the ropes over his shoulders. “When the Games commence, Gulmarg truly comes alive.”

The pair typically earn between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per tourist, depending on the distance and time, with daily earnings soaring to between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000 during peak times, a stark contrast to off-peak days when tourist numbers dwindle.

The 2026 edition will feature four medal disciplines: ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country), and snowboarding, drawing athletes and spectators nationwide.

As Gulmarg gets ready to host another significant winter sports event, the Khelo India Winter Games are evolving into more than just a competition. They symbolize a concrete illustration of how sports policies can invigorate local economies, bolster national sporting culture, and reaffirm Gulmarg's status as India’s winter sports capital.