Srinagar- Asserting that changing weather patterns are emerging as a challenge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that artificial snow will be generated from this year to ensure early skiing at Gulmarg.
Addressing the valedictory function of the fifth edition of Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in North Kashmir, the Chief Minister said, “Unfortunately the weather conditions are changing. There was a time when the skiing courses in my childhood used to begin in December and continue till March. Now, the snowfall hardly occurs in December and January months. However, the temperatures rise when the snowfall occurs in February.”
He said, “We will try to generate artificial snow from December through environment-friendly ways so that the slopes are prepared for skiing early amidst the minus temperatures and we will be able to start the skiing course again from December upto March. We will not have to wait for March to conduct the Khelo India Winter Games.”
The Chief Minister expressed happiness over the completion of the second phase of KIWG-2025. “Finally the event has been held, which seemed impossible due to the weather conditions in January. The recent snowfall made the KIWG possible as it occurred at the apt time. I express my gratitude to all the participants,” the Chief Minister said.
While congratulating the Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh for securing top positions in the KIWG-2025, the Chief Minister expressed disappointment over J&K not securing any top rank in the competition. “We need to arrange the coaches and augment the infrastructure for our skiers so that J&K in the sixth edition of Khelo India Winter Games secures the top positions,” he said.
The Chief Minister welcomed the decision to develop a Winter Sports Centre of Excellence in Gulmarg.
Terming Gulmarg as the winter capital of the country, Omar said, “It is the place where skiing started. The T-bar lift in Gulmarg was introduced during British rule. Later the track lift and Gandola in phases were introduced and in the end chairlift was introduced which was completed in 2012. However, this is not enough as the other countries have moved much ahead.”
“In the last two-three years, we have observed that those who used to come to Gulmarg for skiing are now opting to visit the central Asian countries like Uzbekistan. Now, it is our responsibility to develop Gulmarg further and augment the skiing infrastructure here,” Omar said.
“We are lucky that the Prime Minister recently inaugurated a tunnel in Sonamarg. It has turned the picturesque resort into a winter destination now. We want to develop Sonamarg for skiing like Gulmarg.”
The Chief Minister said that Sonamarg has the natural advantages, which can help the place to emerge as the best skiing destination.
Omar said that Sports Minister Satish Sharma was recently assured by the Union Sports Minister that the infrastructure will be augmented further. “The sports infra is not limited to coming up with stadiums for cricket and football, but many games are being preferred by the youth nowadays, therefore the infra needs to be augmented at earliest so that the youngsters, who are indulging in anti-social issues activities will be involved in sports activities.”
He said that his government aims to bring transformative change to the sports sector so that the youth who are “being diverted toward the wrong paths” are actively engaged in sports.
The chief minister was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in Gulmarg.
Abdullah outlined his government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure in every village, ensuring that youth have opportunities to engage in sports.
“Our youth are being diverted toward the wrong paths. We want them to be actively engaged in sports and make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub — whether it’s for traditional sports, adventure sports, or winter sports,” he said.
Abdullah further mentioned that during the presentation of the J&K budget in the Assembly, significant funds had been allocated for sports development.
“Over the next four and a half years, our government aims to bring a transformative change in the sports sector,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges leading up to this year’s KIWG, the CM said that the persistent dry weather in January and February had raised concerns about whether the games would take place.
“Over the past four years, the KIWG have been conducted with great enthusiasm. However, this year, we faced an unprecedented challenge as there was very little snow accumulation,” he said.
He noted that a thorough assessment of the snow conditions was conducted by technical staff, leading to extensive discussions on whether the games should be held, postponed, or cancelled. Eventually, he decided to postpone the event, hoping for snowfall.
“Then, by the grace of the Almighty, we received enough snow and the 5th Edition of the KIWG was officially announced,” he said.
As an avid skier himself, the CM shared a personal anecdote, saying that he had attempted to ski earlier in the day but found it difficult due to the high water content in the snow.
“If I found it challenging, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the athletes,” he said, appreciating their determination and resilience in overcoming the tough conditions to deliver commendable performances.
He envisioned using eco-friendly artificial snow technology to ensure that the Khelo India Winter Games can be held as early as December and January, thereby expanding the winter sports season.
Reiterating Gulmarg’s status as the Winter Sports Capital of India, Abdullah emphasised that the promotion and development of skiing in the country originated from Gulmarg.
“The initial infrastructure at Gulmarg dates back to the British era, but what we have today is still not sufficient to meet the growing demands of winter sports and tourism,” he said.
“If we wish to position ourselves as a global winter sports destination, we must invest in infrastructure enhancement,” he said.
He emphasised that sports infrastructure should not be limited to mainstream games like cricket and football, which require spacious grounds.
“Emerging sports like Pickleball are attracting young players, and these require minimal space. We must diversify our sports infrastructure,” he said.
Abdullah extended an invitation to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, inviting him and his family to visit Gulmarg and other tourist destinations in J&K.
He also thanked the athletes for their participation, acknowledging their dedication and commitment despite the short notice for the commencement of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games. (inputs from agencies)
