KIWG 2026: Sports Minister Announces Dates For Snow Events for Gulmarg Leg

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The Gulmarg leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 will run from February 23 to 26 in Jammu & Kashmir. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed the schedule in New Delhi on Thursday (February 12). This is the sixth edition of the national winter event.

The first leg of KIWG 2026 took place in Ladakh from January 20 to 26, with a focus on ice sports. Gulmarg will now stage snow events. The Indian Army will defend its overall championship title in Jammu & Kashmir this season.

Official statement and Winter Olympics link

Dr. Mandaviya said the Gulmarg leg comes after the Winter Olympics and called it the perfect time to host the Games. He noted a successful first phase in Leh and expects similar energy in Jammu & Kashmir as athletes again face harsh weather and tough courses.

Rising competition and new events

The Minister said every Khelo India Winter Games season has seen strong performances and closer contests. In Leh, the inclusion of figure skating raised the standard. In Gulmarg, organisers expect quick runs on the Kongdoori slopes across various snow events on the schedule.

Event schedule and locations

The two legs of KIWG 2026 follow this timetable.

Gulmarg events and athlete participation

Gulmarg will host four medal disciplines: Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country), and Snowboarding. Around 400 athletes are expected to compete, with Alpine Skiing set to attract the highest entries. Races will be held on the Kongdoori slopes during the four-day schedule.

Role of Khelo India Winter Games

Before Khelo India Winter Games, winter sports had low public reach and few structured events in India. Ice and snow sports stayed niche, with rare international entries. The Games now give athletes a steady national platform and a clear path for progress in both formats.

International progress and key athletes

Indian winter athletes are now gaining results abroad. Figure skater Tara Prasad has won medals at international competitions. The Indian women's ice hockey team claimed bronze at the 2025 IIHF Women's Asia Cup, India's first podium in an international ice hockey championship, with notable wins during that tournament.

Olympic link and medal standings

The Gulmarg leg will follow the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026, where India has alpine skier Arif Khan and cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup. At KIWG 2025, the Indian Army led the table with 18 medals, ahead of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Latest KIWG 2026 results and medal table

After the KIWG 2026 Ladakh leg, Haryana topped the medal tally with four gold medals. All came through its figure skaters and ice skaters. Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana followed in the standings, setting up a close race before the Gulmarg snow events.