Gulmarg, March 10, 2025- On the second day of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir’s Zubair Ahmad Lone clinched a gold medal in the men’s giant slalom snowboarding event, bringing pride to the host Union Territory. The thrilling competition, part of the rescheduled Gulmarg leg running from March 9 to 12, showcased top winter sports talent from across India, with Lone’s victory highlighting the region’s growing prowess in snowboarding.
The event, held at the scenic Kingdori slopes, saw Lone outperform a strong field, including Kulvindar Sharma of the Indian Army, who secured the silver medal, and Karan Singh, also from the Indian Army, who took bronze. This 1-2-3 finish in the giant slalom underscored the competitive spirit of the games, which resumed after a postponement from February due to insufficient snowfall earlier in the season.
Day 2 of the Khelo India Winter Games featured a packed schedule of events, including sprint skiing, vertical skiing, and giant slalom competitions at both Kingdori and the Golf Club venues in Gulmarg. Alongside Lone’s triumph, Himachal Pradesh also celebrated success, with its athletes securing gold in the women’s ski mountaineering event, adding to the day’s highlights.
Lone, a local favorite, has been a standout figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s winter sports scene. His victory follows a strong showing on Day 1, where he and teammate Mehrajuddin Khan achieved a 1-2 finish in the men’s slalom snowboarding event. Posts on X praised Lone’s consistency and skill, with users noting his contribution to the region’s legacy in the Khelo India Winter Games, which Jammu and Kashmir hosted and won in its first three editions.
The Indian Army, defending champions, maintained their dominance by adding to their Day 1 haul of seven medals (two gold, two silver, three bronze), though local athletes like Lone ensured the spotlight remained shared. The games, part of the Indian government’s Khelo India initiative, feature 19 teams from states, Union Territories, and institutional outfits competing across six disciplines, with medals contributing to an overall team championship tally.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been vocal about the importance of hosting such events despite earlier weather challenges, expressed optimism about the games boosting tourism and sports culture in the region. With favorable snow conditions finally in place, the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 continue to draw enthusiasts and spectators to Gulmarg, reinforcing its status as a premier winter sports destination.