Srinagar, Feb 17, KNT: The much-anticipated 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), scheduled to be held in Gulmarg from February 22 to 25, has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall, officials said on Monday.
Despite being a premier winter sports destination, Gulmarg has witnessed an unusually dry winter this season, leaving key ski slopes, including Affarwat and Bowl, without the required snow cover for competitive events.
“The necessary amount of snowfall for hosting the games is missing, making it impossible to proceed as planned,” said Rauf Tramboo, President of the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir (WGAJK). He added that a fresh assessment will be conducted once snow conditions improve, and a revised schedule will be announced accordingly.
Officials have decided to review the situation after February 19, as the Meteorological Department has predicted wet weather conditions, with chances of fresh snowfall in Gulmarg.
The postponement comes despite meticulous preparations for the event, including hotel bookings, infrastructure readiness, and event management.
Around 700 participants, including 650 technical staff, delegates, and local athletes, were expected to take part in the competition.
The lack of adequate snowfall in Gulmarg has not only affected sporting events but has also raised concerns among winter tourism stakeholders, who heavily rely on the ski season. Many hoteliers and tour operators are hoping for fresh snowfall in the coming days to revive the winter sports activities that define Gulmarg’s global reputation. [KNT]
