GULMARG, FEBRUARY 28: The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) concluded at Gulmarg with the country’s emerging generation of winter sports athletes signalling a decisive shift in India’s Olympic ambitions.
From February 23 to 26, the famed slopes of Gulmarg witnessed not only familiar champions but also a new wave of athletes from diverse regions, reflecting the growing national reach of winter sports.
Officials and talent scouts described the event as a turning point, with athletes from tropical and non-traditional winter regions making a strong impact.
Young talent shines
Among the standout performers was 17-year-old Jiah Aryan of Bengaluru, who clinched two bronze medals in Alpine skiing—Slalom and Giant Slalom.
Her performances drew attention for technical maturity and aggressive racing style. Jiah began training at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports before moving abroad for advanced coaching.
“I want to become the first Indian female winter athlete to win an Olympic gold,” she said, reflecting growing ambition among young competitors.
Rapid rise of new athletes
CRPF constable Renu Danu emerged as one of the biggest stories of the Games, winning three silver medals in Nordic 15-km, Nordic Sprint, and Ski Mountaineering Relay. Remarkably, she saw snow for the first time only two years ago.
Similarly, Kaamya Karthikeyan of Maharashtra scripted history by winning gold in Ski Mountaineering, marking her state’s first title in the discipline.
The performances indicated a gradual shift in winter sports participation beyond traditional centres such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Dominant Nordic performances
CRPF athlete Kajal Kumari Rai from Meghalaya delivered a powerful performance, winning two gold medals in the women’s Nordic 15-km and Sprint races.
Veteran skier Aanchal Thakur of Himachal Pradesh also claimed her first gold in Giant Slalom, highlighting experience and resilience.
Local pride
For the host region, Zubair Ahmad Lone secured Jammu and Kashmir’s only gold medal, winning the Snowboarding Giant Slalom and drawing loud support from local spectators.
Sports as national strategy
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, addressing the event, said India’s youth will play a key role in the country’s development vision.
He highlighted that the government is strengthening sports infrastructure and athlete development to position India as a competitive sporting nation.
The Games also align with the broader national ambition of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, with winter sports increasingly viewed as a strategic growth area.
Changing landscape
Experts noted that the Khelo India Winter Games are evolving from a participation platform into a talent identification and development ecosystem.
For four days in Gulmarg, athletes from Bengaluru, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Kashmir and other regions competed on the same stage—symbolising the gradual democratisation of winter sports in India.
While India is yet to win a Winter Olympic medal, officials believe the foundation is being laid.
The 2026 edition, they said, has demonstrated that winter sports in the country are moving from aspiration towards structured preparation, with a new generation ready to carry the dream forward.
Below are pics of young athletes
