Winter olympians

Khelo India Winter Games: The upcoming edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is poised to become a real-world example of the government’s ambitious Khelo Bharat Niti, with a visible surge in tourism, local economic activity and national participation ahead of the February 23-26 competition window.

Launched by the Union sports ministry in July last year, the Khelo Bharat Niti aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem while leveraging major events to drive economic growth. By promoting infrastructure development, talent identification and international competitiveness, the policy also seeks to boost allied sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and sports technology.

That vision is already taking shape in Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s premier winter destinations, where tourist interest has risen sharply in the lead-up to the Games. With India’s top skiers, including Winter Olympians, set to compete, the event has generated enthusiasm across the region, particularly among those whose livelihoods depend on sports tourism.