Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to developing Gulmarg into a premier global winter sports destination while addressing the closing ceremony of the second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games.
The Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir is scripting a new chapter of growth and opportunity through sports, highlighting the immense potential of Gulmarg as a future global hub for winter sports.
Announcing a major expansion of the event, Dr. Mandaviya said future editions of the Winter Games in Gulmarg will be organised as a 15-day integrated sporting festival. The extended format will combine competitive events with tourism promotion and cultural programmes.
He stated that the Winter Games will now go beyond a four-day competition and will incorporate activities such as the Fit India Carnival, cultural showcases and multiple sporting events, aimed at boosting tourism and youth participation.
The second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games witnessed participation from over 900 athletes representing 25 States and Union Territories, reflecting growing national engagement with winter sports disciplines.
Dr. Mandaviya underlined the transformative role of sports in fostering unity, discipline and holistic development. Referring to the changing landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, he said the region, once associated with incidents of stone pelting, is now gaining recognition for skiing and other winter sports activities. He added that following the abrogation of Article 370, sports culture in the Valley has witnessed steady growth.
The Union Minister also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and outlined the government’s broader sporting ambitions. He said India is working towards hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and aims to rank among the top five sporting nations by 2047, when the country marks 100 years of Independence.
Highlighting the expansion of sporting platforms under the Khelo India Winter Games umbrella, he said initiatives such as Khelo India School Games, University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, Water Sports, Tribal Games, North East Games and Beach Games have ensured year-round opportunities for athletes across the country.
In a further boost to the region, the Minister announced that a National Centre of Excellence will be established in Jammu & Kashmir to strengthen winter sports infrastructure and training systems.
