Gulmarg Hosts 6th Khelo India Winter Games; LG Calls It a Celebration of J&K’s Sporting Identity Today, I feel immense joy and pride in inaugurating the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ in this historic Gulmarg, full of unique natural beauty, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha. The Winter Games concluded in Italy and the 6th Khelo India Winter Games began in Gulmarg on February 23, 2026. I believe that this opportunity is not just an event but a celebration of Jammu Kashmir’s identity in sports, the unity of the nation and the creative power of sports which connects every citizen, especially the youth, and every athlete and inspires them that the foundation of their strong character can be laid on this. Jammu and Kashmir has performed admirably in the field of sports over the years, LG said. This includes the huge contribution of the Sports Ministry of the Government of India and the infrastructure projects received under the PMDP of the Honuorable Prime Minister and the 100 Khelo India Centers here, as well as the dedication and talent of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and all our officials associated with sports. It is true that nature itself is becoming a challenge in the Winter Games. To excel among them also shows extraordinary ability. Over the next few days, we will see many amazing examples of the technical prowess of that extraordinary ability. Sports lovers will witness the balance, determination, and extraordinary endurance you and your coaches have acquired through years of practice. Today I also consider it appropriate to mention Arif Khan, who hails from Gulmarg, and Himachal Pradesh skier Anchal Thakur, who have become a source of inspiration for our youth. Friends, Khelo India Winter Games is an occasion to revisit the ideals of sportsmanship that convey the message of peace, equality and friendship, LG added. I believe that winter sports is a living school in itself where patience should be given more importance than results. Proficiency in winter games is not achieved in a day; it requires years of practice, regular practice and patience. All efforts in winter games ensure lasting success. Players come from many places, live together, practice together, compete with each other and encourage each other. Then language, culture, field, all these become insignificant in front of the spirit of sports. Shared dialogue and mutual friendship after intense competition proves that self-competition and traditional respect can coexist in life. Today our people also have a special need for this feeling. As you compete on these ski slopes, always remember that diversity is our greatest strength, not division, LG added. And the Khelo India Games remind us that our languages may be different, but our goals and our values are shared. At the start of the 6th Winter Games, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to all the athletes and wish the event every success. I would also like to invite all the sports lovers to come and join us and especially the local residents in welcoming the athletes who are here for the games. May all competitions be inspiring, dignified and reflect the highest ideals of Indian sportsmanship, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.
