 Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 28: The ending of a prolonged dry spell with heavy downpours in plains and snowfall in hilly areas revived the hope of beginning the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, which were already postponed due to insufficient snow in the picturesque Gulmarg resort of Kashmir.
Like other parts of the country, Gulmarg also received heavy snowfall during the last 24 hours.
On February 23, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoped that the forecasted snowfall in the picturesque Gulmarg resort of Kashmir in the coming days would change the ground situation. He said that Gulmarg is all set to become a leading destination for heli-skiing and adventure tourism.
Omar said, “The administration is closely monitoring the snowfall situation.
Experts from the Ski Federation will assess the slopes in the coming days, and if they approve, the games could be held in the first week of March”
As reported earlier, the second leg of the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled to be held in north Kashmir’s picture The snowfall has revived the hope of beginning the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.
The event was postponed due to insufficient snow in the picturesque Gulmarg resort in Kashmir.
On February 23, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had expressed hope that the snowfall would change the ground situation.
The first leg of the Games was held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27 where ice hockey and ice skating events were held.
“The 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, initially set for February 22-25, 2025, has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. A new assessment will be conducted once snow conditions improve, and the revised schedule will be announced accordingly,” the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council stated on its official social media handle.
It was announced that the revised schedule will be shared once weather conditions become favorable for competitions. Persistent snowfall and suitable weather conditions are critical. J&K is experiencing unusually warm weather at this time of the year.
The first leg of the Games was held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, with the NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond staging ice hockey and ice skating events.
The Khelo India Winter Games were first held in 2020, with Jammu and Kashmir hosting and winning the first three editions. The 2024 edition, co-hosted by Ladakh and J&K, saw the Indian Army claim the overall title. | 