Army storms to 23 medals; J&K scripts steady rise with four podium finishes as athletes hail world-class conduct and demand broader winter calendar
Inayat Qayoom
Gulmarg, Feb 26:
In a spectacular celebration of speed, skill and snow, the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 concluded on Thursday, cementing the Valley’s growing stature as the heartbeat of India’s winter sports revolution.
Amid a grand closing ceremony attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah and senior civil and security officials, the curtains came down on a fiercely competitive edition that blended elite performance with flawless organisation.
Army’s Commanding Charge .
The Indian Army stamped its authority on the Games, finishing clear atop the medal tally with 23 medals — 9 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze — underlining its dominance and structured winter training ecosystem.
Himachal Pradesh followed with an impressive 14-medal haul, while Ladakh and Maharashtra showcased rising winter prowess with consistent podium finishes across disciplines.
For hosts Jammu and Kashmir, the campaign ended with four medals — one gold, one silver and two bronze — a performance that signals steady growth and renewed ambition on the national winter stage.
Athletes Applaud, Aim Higher
India’s top winter athletes described the Gulmarg edition as one of the most professionally conducted yet, praising the slopes, logistics and competitive atmosphere.
Anchal Thakur, who clinched gold and silver in Slalom, called the experience “a proud and defining moment,” stating that competing in Gulmarg alongside athletes from across India strengthened camaraderie and exposure. She urged organisers to expand the roster of disciplines, emphasising that year-round training demands more competitive platforms.
Army gold medallist Mayank Pawar lauded the arrangements and revealed that his focus now shifts to the 2027 World Championship, signalling India’s growing international aspirations in winter sports.
Gulmarg’s Rising Roar 🌨️
Officials described the seamless execution of the Games as a milestone for Jammu and Kashmir — not just in sport, but in tourism and global positioning. With packed schedules, smooth coordination and heightened competitive standards, Gulmarg once again proved it can host events of national prestige with authority.
More than medals, the 2026 edition delivered a message — India’s winter sports ecosystem is expanding, its athletes are dreaming bigger, and Gulmarg is fast emerging as the nation’s snow-bound sporting capital.(SNS)