Gulmarg, June 24, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the Gulmarg Cyclothon 2025 today, a vibrant event aimed at promoting youth sports, eco-friendly tourism, and community engagement in the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg. The cyclothon, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, saw enthusiastic participation from local youth and cycling enthusiasts, highlighting Kashmir’s potential as a hub for adventure tourism and sustainable practices. The event aligns with the government’s vision to position Gulmarg as a year-round destination for sports and tourism.
A Pedal for Progress and Sustainability
The Gulmarg Cyclothon, held against the stunning backdrop of Gulmarg’s snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, attracted hundreds of participants, including young athletes and tourists. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an avid supporter of sports, led the event by cycling alongside participants, reinforcing his commitment to encouraging youth participation in physical activities. “Sports are a powerful way to engage our youth and keep them on the right path,” Abdullah said, echoing his remarks at the recent Khelo India Winter Games 2025. “This cyclothon also promotes eco-friendly tourism, showcasing Kashmir’s natural beauty without harming the environment.”
The event featured various categories, including competitive races for professionals and recreational rides for amateurs, covering scenic routes around Gulmarg. The cyclothon was designed to be carbon-neutral, with organisers emphasising sustainable practices such as waste management and the use of eco-friendly materials, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Key Details of the Gulmarg Cyclothon 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Gulmarg Cyclothon 2025 |
| Location | Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Flagged Off By | Chief Minister Omar Abdullah |
| Organizers | J&K Tourism Department, J&K Sports Council |
| Participants | Local youth, cycling enthusiasts, tourists |
| Objective | Promote youth sports, eco-friendly tourism, and adventure tourism in Kashmir |
| Significance | Enhance Gulmarg’s status as a year-round tourism and sports destination |
Boosting Youth Engagement and Tourism
The Gulmarg Cyclothon is part of a broader strategy to engage Kashmir’s youth in sports and divert them from negative influences, as emphasized by Omar Abdullah during the Khelo India Winter Games in March 2025. “Our youth are being diverted toward the wrong paths. We want them to be actively engaged in sports and make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub,” he had stated, a sentiment reiterated at the cyclothon. The event also builds on recent initiatives like the Gulmarg Golf Championship and the Varmul Gindo 2025 sports festival in Baramulla, which have energized Kashmir’s youth.
The cyclothon also underscores Gulmarg’s growing reputation as a hub for adventure tourism. Following the success of events like the Khelo India Winter Games, which saw over 1,000 athletes compete in winter sports, and the upcoming Gulmarg Convention Centre, the region is being positioned as a global destination for both sports and eco-conscious travelers. Abdullah’s vision, supported by collaborations with the Union Ministry of Tourism and stakeholders like the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), includes promoting activities like mountain biking, zip-lining, and summer trekking to attract visitors year-round.
Eco-Friendly Tourism and Community Impact
The Gulmarg Cyclothon aligns with Omar Abdullah’s push for eco-friendly tourism, a priority highlighted during his recent meetings with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on June 19, 2025. By promoting cycling, the event reduces reliance on motorized transport, minimising the carbon footprint in Gulmarg’s fragile ecosystem. “We want tourists to return again and again,” Abdullah said, emphasising the need for sustainable practices to preserve Kashmir’s natural beauty.
The event has also created economic opportunities for local communities, with hotels, homestays, and small businesses benefiting from the influx of participants and spectators. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement, with users posting, “#GulmargCyclothon is a fantastic blend of #youthsports and #ecofriendlytourism! Kudos to @OmarAbdullah for promoting #Kashmir as a sustainable destination.”
A Step Toward a Vibrant Kashmir
The Gulmarg Cyclothon 2025 builds on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s efforts to revive Kashmir’s tourism sector, which faced setbacks after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. His proactive measures, including holding cabinet meetings in Pahalgam and Gulmarg and engaging with tourism stakeholders, have restored confidence, with Srinagar and Gulmarg seeing a surge in visitors. The cyclothon, alongside infrastructure projects like the NH-444 highway and the Z-Morh Tunnel, reinforces Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to becoming a global tourism and sports hub.
As Gulmarg pedals toward a greener, more active future, the Cyclothon 2025 stands as a testament to Kashmir’s resilience, with Omar Abdullah leading the charge to empower youth, promote sustainable tourism, and showcase the valley’s unparalleled charm.
