Gulmarg Gears Up for Khelo India Winter Games 2025 After Heavy Snowfall

The famous ski resort of Gulmarg, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to host the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from March 9 to 12. The much-awaited event was earlier scheduled from February 22 to 25, but due to a lack of snow, it had to be postponed. With fresh moderate to heavy snowfall in the region, the sports council has confirmed that Gulmarg is now ready to host the competition.

Postponement and Rescheduling of the Event

The games were initially planned to take place in late February, but inadequate snowfall made it difficult for the organizers to proceed with the event. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, suggested on February 23 that the event should be pushed to the first week of March, as delaying it further would not be feasible. Fortunately, the heavy snowfall between February 25 and 28, with Gulmarg receiving 113 cm of snow, has made the slopes ideal for winter sports.

Sporting Events at Khelo India Winter Games 2025

The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will feature a range of winter sports disciplines, including:

• Alpine Skiing
• Nordic Skiing
• Ski Mountaineering
• Snowboarding

These competitions will take place at different locations within Gulmarg, which is known for its world-class skiing facilities and breathtaking landscapes.

Participation and Expected Turnout

As per the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, the games will witness participation from 30 teams, comprising around 1,000 athletes and officers from various states and sports boards across India. The event is expected to draw national attention, with top-tier athletes showcasing their skills in different winter sports.

Current Weather Conditions in Kashmir

Alongside the preparations for the Winter Games, Kashmir Valley has been experiencing fresh rainfall and snowfall, bringing down day temperatures. On Monday morning, moderate rainfall lashed the plains, while mountainous regions experienced light snowfall.

Weather Forecast for the Upcoming Days

According to MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad, Kashmir is witnessing light to moderate rain and snow in most places. Certain higher reaches in north and central Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall. However, weather conditions are expected to improve from Tuesday, March 5, and will likely remain stable for a week. A fresh spell of rain and snow is anticipated from March 10 to 12.

Potential Risks Due to Snowfall and Rain

The meteorological department has issued warnings regarding the possibility of:

• Landslides
• Rock falls
• Shooting stones
• Mudslides

These events are likely to occur in vulnerable areas, especially near hilly terrain and avalanche-prone regions. Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other agricultural activities until March 4 to prevent any damage.

Temperature Levels Across Kashmir

The recent weather conditions have significantly impacted temperature levels across Jammu and Kashmir:

• Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 4.9°C.
• Gulmarg, being the coldest region, experienced a minimum temperature of -4.3°C.
• Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir, saw a low of -0.8°C.
• Kupwara, in north Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of 0.1°C.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025 – Key Highlights

Topic	Details
Why in News?	Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is set to host the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 from March 9 to 12 after being postponed due to a lack of snowfall.
Reason for Postponement	Originally scheduled for February 22-25, but postponed due to inadequate snowfall. Heavy snowfall between Feb 25-28 (113 cm in Gulmarg) made the slopes ideal for winter sports.
Key Sporting Events	– Alpine Skiing – Nordic Skiing – Ski Mountaineering – Snowboarding
Participation	– 30 teams from various states & sports boards – Around 1,000 athletes & officials expected
Weather Conditions	– Fresh snowfall & rainfall in Kashmir – Heavy snowfall in higher reaches of north & central Kashmir
Weather Forecast	– Improvement from March 5 – Fresh spell of rain & snow expected from March 10-12
Potential Risks Due to Snowfall	– Landslides – Rock falls – Shooting stones – Mudslides – Farmers advised to suspend agricultural activities until March 4
Temperature Levels	– Srinagar: 4.9°C (Min) – Gulmarg: -4.3°C (Min, Coldest) – Pahalgam: -0.8°C (Min) – Kupwara: 0.1°C (Min)