Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Leh and Gulmarg Announced as Hosts

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) have emerged as a premier event in India’s sporting calendar, promoting winter sports and identifying talent for international competitions. The 2025 edition promises to continue this tradition with thrilling ice and snow events hosted in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. With a strong emphasis on fostering young talent and promoting winter sports culture, the KIWG serves as a vital platform for aspiring athletes, especially from remote Himalayan regions.

Key Highlights of Khelo India Winter Games 2025

Host Locations and Dates

• Ladakh (Ice Events): January 23 to 27, 2025.
• Jammu & Kashmir (Snow Events): February 22 to 25, 2025.

Flagship Event

• The Winter Games kickstarted the Khelo India season, followed by the Youth & Para Games in Bihar (April 2025) and the Khelo India University Games.

History and Growth

• Inception (2020), Participation: Almost 1000 athletes, including 306 women.
• 2021: Participation: 1350+ athletes.
• 2022: Participation: 1500+ athletes.
• 2024: Participation: 1200+ participants, including 700+ athletes.
• 141 support staff.
• 113 technical officials.
• 250+ volunteers and sports-specific volunteers.
• Medals: 136 medals at stake.

Key Milestone (2024 Edition)

• For the first time, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, managed the technical conduct of the Games alongside the National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association.

Prominent Statements

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Sports Minister

• “We are looking forward to an exciting season of Khelo India Games. The Winter Games are important as India needs to identify top athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics.”
• “It is our endeavor to promote winter sports and encourage athletes from remote Himalayan villages to participate.”

Ladakh’s Growing Role

• Ladakh hosted ice events like skating and hockey successfully in February 2024.
• It will host ice events for the second consecutive year in 2025, while Gulmarg remains the venue for snow events like skiing and snowboarding.

Significance of the Khelo India Winter Games

Promotion of Winter Sports

• Encourages athletes to take up skiing, skating, and other winter sports.
• Highlights the potential of remote Himalayan regions as talent hubs.

Talent Identification

• Serves as a platform to scout talent for international competitions, including the Winter Olympics.

Development of Sports Infrastructure

• Enhanced facilities in Ladakh and J&K to support winter sports activities.