Khelo India Winter Games 2025 commence in Gulmarg

The much awaited 2nd phase of 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 commenced at world famous ski resort, Gulmarg in North Kashmir on Sunday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth and successful event.

Athletes and officials from different parts of the country are participating in the games while security forces including Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary CRPF and sleuths from other security forces have been deployed in and around Gulmarg under a well coordinated multi-tier security plan, the official said, as per KNO

Pertinently, to ensure smooth conduct, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Maqsood ul Zaman had earlier chaired a high-level security review meeting to finalize comprehensive security arrangements — plans including  strict access control, CCTV surveillance, anti-sabotage checks besides, regular patrolling in and around key venues, accommodating facilities and transit routes.

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, as per KNO, while reviewing the arrangements, assured that all necessary measures have been put in place. He expressed optimism that the event will be conducted successfully like the previous editions.

To ensure a smooth flow of traffic and hassle-free movement of participants and visitors, Baramulla Police, Traffic Department as well as local administration have already devised a traffic management plan.

It is noteworthy that, 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.

Around 800 participants, including 650 technical staff, delegates, and local athletes, are competing across four disciplines, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding.

It may be recalled that the first leg of the games was successfully held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, where ice hockey and ice skating events took place at NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond—(KNO)