From February 23 to 26, Gulmarg hosted the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, where a new generation of winter athletes showcased their talent. Among them was 17-year-old Jiah Aryan from Bengaluru, who impressed with two bronze medals in Alpine skiing events. Jiah’s journey began at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports in Kashmir, and she further honed her skills at the Kron Platz Racing Centre in Italy.
Jiah, identified as a promising winter sports talent, along with five other female athletes, secured sponsorship from the Reliance Foundation. This support includes access to essential resources like physiotherapists, sports psychologists, and nutritionists, highlighting the growing infrastructure for winter sports in India. Jiah, a 12th-grade student balancing academics with her athletic pursuits, aims to become the first Indian female winter sports athlete to win a gold medal.
The Khelo India Winter Games also saw remarkable performances from other athletes like Renu Danu, a CRPF athlete who clinched three silver medals in Nordic events after experiencing snow for the first time just two years ago. Kaamya Karthikeyan from Maharashtra made history by winning gold in Ski Mountaineering, showcasing the expanding reach of winter sports beyond traditional regions. The event also witnessed Kajal Kumari Rai from Meghalaya securing two gold medals in Nordic events, emphasizing the diverse talent emerging in winter sports across India.
Veteran athletes like Aanchal Thakur and rising stars like Zubair Ahmad Lone added to the event’s excitement by claiming victories in their respective categories. The Winter Games in Gulmarg not only celebrated individual achievements but also symbolized India’s growing presence in winter sports on a national and international level. The event’s significance lies in its role as a platform for nurturing talent and fostering a culture of winter sports in the country.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the government’s vision to position sports as a key driver of India’s development by 2047. The Winter Games in Gulmarg exemplify the country’s evolving approach towards winter sports, transitioning from niche interests to strategic investments in athlete development and infrastructure. As India aims to establish itself as a prominent player in the global sports arena, events like the Khelo India Winter Games play a crucial role in shaping the future of winter sports in the country.
