Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 21: The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) enters its decisive phase in Gulmarg on Monday, with the Indian Army aiming to defend its team championship title.
Launched in 2020 under the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative, the Winter Games have expanded India’s presence in snow and ice sports.
The first three editions – 2020, 2021 and 2023 – were hosted and won by Jammu and Kashmir.
The competitive balance shifted in 2024 when the Army ended J&K’s dominance, topping the medals table with 10 gold, five silver and six bronze medals.
The Army strengthened its position in 2025, winning 18 medals – seven gold, five silver and six bronze.
Although Himachal Pradesh matched the total medal count, the title was decided by gold medals, awarding the championship to the Army.
At KIWG 2025, the Army dominated Nordic skiing, sweeping all medals in the men’s 1.4 km sprint, 10 km and 15 km races.
Manjeet won gold in the sprint, followed by Shubam Parihar and Sunny Singh, with similar podium finishes in the longer events. Sunil Kumar secured gold in men’s Alpine skiing.
Army coach Nadeem Iqbal Mirza attributed the success to year-round training and institutional support.
Athletes continue training during summer through roller skiing, gym work and altitude endurance cycles.
The Army has also provided advanced equipment and overseas exposure trips to Italy and Sweden.
Athletes said the structured system has been crucial. Sunil Kumar highlighted financial and psychological support, while Arif Ahmad pointed to the advantage of prolonged high-altitude postings in Kashmir and Ladakh.
The sixth edition began on January 20 in Leh, Ladakh, with ice hockey and ice skating events, including the debut of figure skating.
The Army retained its men’s ice hockey title, defeating Chandigarh by 3-2 in the final.
Phase II will be held at Kangdoori Phase 1 and the Golf Course Club in Gulmarg, featuring alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering and snowboarding.
Across the 2024 and 2025 editions, the Army won 39 medals, including 17 gold.
Gulmarg also hosted the Chinar Open Winter Games 2026 under the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps, drawing 660 participants across eight disciplines as preparation for the current edition.
The event served both as grassroots outreach and preparation for KIWG 2026, which will see participation from states, Union Territories and institutional teams.
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