Khelo India Winter Games 2026: Boosting Kashmir Tourism Through Sports

The Khelo India Winter Games are set to kick off in Gulmarg, Kashmir, from February 23, with over 700 athletes and officials participating. The games are expected to be a major draw for tourists, improving local livelihoods significantly, especially after last year's challenges.

According to a video message by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Gulmarg is primed and ready, offering four medal disciplines including Ski Mountaineering and Alpine Skiing. The region experienced good snowfall, favoring skiing and sledging activities. Tourism stakeholders anticipate a boost as the games mark a turnaround in fortunes.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed the event's timing post-Winter Olympics as ideal. The games, marking their sixth edition in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, follow a successful first phase in Leh. The previous games in Leh and Ladakh saw teams like the Indian Army and Haryana topping medal tallies.