GULMARG: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday announced that a National Centre of Excellence for winter sports will be established in Jammu and Kashmir, as he unveiled plans to transform Gulmarg into a global winter sports destination.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games at the Gulmarg Golf Course, the minister said future editions of the Games will be expanded into a 15-day event integrating sports, tourism and cultural activities.
“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 said.
He added that the Winter Games would no longer remain a four-day competition. “By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day-long Winter Games that will include a Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions,” he said.
The proposed format will combine competitive winter disciplines such as skiing and snow mountaineering with fitness campaigns and cultural events to create a larger festival atmosphere aimed at boosting tourism and sports participation.
Mandaviya also felicitated the Indian Army team for defending their championship title. The Army topped the medal tally with 23 medals, including nine gold, six silver and eight bronze. Himachal Pradesh finished second with 14 medals, while Haryana secured the third position.
The minister said the government’s upcoming Khelo Bharat Niti would be athlete-centric and focused on fulfilling the aspirations of young sportspersons. “There can be no politics in sports. Our policies are athlete-centric and not built in favour of national federations,” he said.
He congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir administration and security forces for the smooth conduct of the event.
The first phase of KIWG 2026 was held in Leh, Ladakh, from January 20 to 26. More than 900 athletes from 25 states and Union Territories participated in six disciplines across Gulmarg and Leh.
Referring to developments in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Mandaviya said the region was witnessing a shift in narrative. “Earlier stone-pelters used to make headlines; now it is sports. Times are changing in J&K,” he added.
