Srinagar, February 22 The famous winter destination of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is prepared to host the sixth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), in which over 400 athletes will participate.
Officials said on Saturday that all arrangements have been made for the four-day event, which will begin on Monday at a famous ski resort in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
The event will be inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Secretary of the J-K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, said that the registration process has been completed.
"Participants from 30 states and UTs have registered, and 400 athletes are participating in the games. There is good snow cover in Gulmarg, and we hope the weather supports us," Gul said.
The first leg of the KIWG for ice events was held in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to 26 this year, while the second leg of the games, for snow events, is being held at Gulmarg from February 23 to 26. All six editions have been held in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Gulmarg will feature four medal disciplines, namely Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding, with Alpine Skiing attracting the highest participation, officials said.
At the end of the KIWG 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana led the medal tally with four gold medals, all won by its figure and ice skaters, followed by Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
While the civil administration has made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the winter games, Kashmir police chief V K Birdi chaired a security meeting on Wednesday to review the preparedness for the event.
Senior officers of the police, the Army, Central Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies, and the civil administration participated in the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, conducted a comprehensive inspection of various venues and key locations at Gulmarg on Saturday and finalized arrangements for the event, officials said.
During the visit, the DC inspected the Gulmarg Golf Club and other designated competition and accommodation sites to ensure that all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the prestigious winter sporting event, officials said.
