- Launches mascot and commemorative souvenir for the winter games
JAMMU, Jan 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a high-level meeting to assess the preparations for the 5th Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), set to take place from February 22 to 25, 2025, at the esteemed ski destination of Gulmarg.
The discussion aimed to ensure a successful event while enhancing Jammu & Kashmir’s status as a leading winter sports hub.
Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, provided a comprehensive overview of the previous Khelo India Winter Games, which significantly amplified the prominence of Gulmarg and Kashmir in global winter tourism.
He confirmed that this year, the 5th edition is again granted to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The event will be organized in two phases: the first phase will be held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, followed by the second phase in Gulmarg from February 22 to 25.
Over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories, and sports boards are expected to compete in various disciplines, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and snowshoe racing as a demonstration sport.
Key venues will include Kongdoori and the Gulmarg Club.
The meeting also reviewed the organizational framework concerning technical and logistical preparations, funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Committees for coordination, registration, and logistics are already in place, with registrations currently ongoing.
The mascot for this edition, a snow leopard, along with the event’s logo, has been finalized.
Publicity initiatives, including hoardings and displays of the mascot, are actively being rolled out in major cities and airports such as Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar.
For media coverage and publicity, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is fully engaged before, during, and after the event.
The games will be broadcast live on DD Sports, and streaming will be available on various online platforms, with extensive coverage planned via AIR and Prasar Bharati.
A community engagement slogan, “Aes Che Praraan” (We Are Waiting), has been introduced to foster local participation in the games.
Teams and officials are expected to arrive in Srinagar on February 21, where a help desk will facilitate logistical arrangements at the airport. The event will also feature cultural evenings, a grand opening ceremony, and thorough provisions for transportation, traffic control, health services, water supply, sanitation, and food for participants and officials. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 mascot, representing the region’s unique biodiversity and commitment to conservation.
During the meeting, he stressed the importance of effective coordination and readiness for any unforeseen incidents, including accidents. The Chief Secretary advised inviting prominent sports celebrities to enhance the visibility and appeal of the event.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched a commemorative souvenir and initiated a multimedia campaign—including print, electronic, and social media campaigns—for the Khelo India Winter Games 2025.
He expressed confidence in the preparations and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making the 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games a resounding success.
The Chief Minister praised the contributions of all stakeholders and highlighted the importance of showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s potential as a premier destination for winter sports and tourism.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and various other senior officials.
