Srinagar, Mar 03 (KNO): After being postponed due to inadequate snowfall, the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) is now set to begin on March 9, 2025, in Gulmarg, following fresh snowfall in the region.
The mega sporting event, initially scheduled from February 22 to 25, had to be put on hold as key ski slopes at Affarwat and Bowl lacked sufficient snow, making it impossible to conduct skiing and other competitive games.
Officials had earlier said that after consultation with the technical conduct committee, they decided to delay the event until favourable snow conditions returned. President of the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir (WGAJK), Rauf Tramboo had said that the slopes were not ski-worthy at the time, and without fresh snowfall, hosting the competition was not feasible.
However, with the region recently receiving fresh snowfall, an official on Monday announced the revised dates for the event. The games will now take place from March 9 to March 12, he confirmed to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Around 700 participants, including 650 technical staff, delegates and local athletes are competing across six disciplines, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding.
Meanwhile, the announcement has been met with joy and relief among athletes, who were eager to compete but had been left in limbo due to weather uncertainties. Several participants expressed their happiness and excitement over the fresh dates, saying they had been eagerly waiting for the competition.
“We were disappointed when the event was postponed, but now, with fresh snowfall and a new schedule, we are thrilled to compete in perfect conditions", athletes told KNO, adding that the Khelo India Winter Games is an important platform for them, and they are glad to showcase our talent on the best slopes.
Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir government had earlier formed two high-level committees to oversee the successful organization of the event.
Nuzhat Gull, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, had earlier assured that all logistical arrangements, including hotel bookings, event management, and infrastructure readiness, had been meticulously completed.
The first leg of the Games was successfully held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, 2025, where ice hockey and ice skating events took place at NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the launch of the official website for the Khelo India Winter Games 2025.
He said the newly established platform will serve as a central resource for event updates, schedules and insights into participating athletes.
In a post on X, the CM wrote: “Delighted to launch the official website for Khelo India Winter Games 2025! This platform will serve as a one-stop destination for all event updates, schedules, athlete insights, and more. Looking forward to an exciting celebration of winter sports in Gulmarg!”—(KNO)