Gulmarg, February 26 Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that a National Centre of Excellence to promote winter sports will be established in Jammu and Kashmir, and announced that future editions of the Khelo India Winter Games will be expanded into a 15-day event that combines sports with cultural activities.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the second leg of this year's Khelo India Winter Games here, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming the region into a premier global winter sports hub.
"The land of Kashmir has immense potential. A National Centre of Excellence will be established here. Gulmarg will be the global hub for Winter Sports in the coming times," Mandaviya remarked during his address at the Gulmarg Golf Course.
"Now, the Winter Games will not be limited to four days. By integrating tourism, we will organize a 15-day Winter Games that will include a Fit India Carnival, cultural programs, and multiple competitions," he said.
In an effort to promote sports, culture, and tourism, Mandaviya said that the region's potential needed to be fully explored.
"I am in favor of a 15-day festival in Gulmarg. It will not only have all the components of winter sports competition, such as skiing and snow mountaineering, but it will also include a Fit India carnival and cultural programs to create a festive atmosphere. To explore the amazing potential of the region, we need to do more to make it a global tourism destination," said Mandaviya.
Mandaviya felicitated the Indian Army team for defending the Khelo India Winter Games championship title.
The Army won 23 medals, including nine golds, six silvers, and eight bronzes. Himachal Pradesh (14 medals, including six golds, seven silvers, and one bronze) and Haryana, which came in third, also received their trophies from the minister.
"Khelo Bharat Niti will fulfill the aspirations of the youth of India. Times have changed, and there can be no politics in sports. Our policies are athlete-centric and not in favor of national federations," said Mandaviya.
Praising the Jammu and Kashmir administration for successfully conducting the Gulmarg leg of KIWG 2026, Mandaviya congratulated all stakeholders, especially the security forces, for enabling a seamless Games.
The first phase of KIWG 2026 was held in Ladakh from January 20-26. More than 900 athletes from 25 states and Union Territories participated in six different sports held across Gulmarg and Leh.
"After the abrogation of Article 370, there is a newfound sense of optimism in J&K. Earlier, those who used to pelt stones were in the headlines, but now it is about sports. Times are changing in J&K," Mandaviya added.
