Gulmarg, February 14: In the crisp air of Gulmarg, where the Himalayas meet the sky, an extraordinary gathering is taking form. The 2025 Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled from February 22 to 25, is attracting a diverse mix of international athletes and spectators, transforming this premier skiing hotspot into a cultural mosaic united by a love for winter sports.
“The scenery is breathtaking,” shares Melania Anderson, a yoga instructor from the United Kingdom currently residing in Hong Kong. Anderson, who supports persons with disabilities through her charity ‘Yama’, is captivated by Kashmir’s dual allure as both a sporting challenge and a cultural gem. “Even the Kashmiri food alone makes this trip worthwhile,” she adds.
Few embody this unexpected demographic blend better than Ben Hurst, an Australian prawn fisherman who has traded the ocean spray for the Himalayan powder. “Being in the mountains of Kashmir feels safer than crossing the streets of Sydney,” he remarks confidently. Hurst, hailing from the small village of Iluka, dismisses any travel advisories. “What we’ve experienced here is simply stunning and unlike any other ski resort in the world,” he remarks, commending the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
The French team adds its unique perspective to the games. Jean Marc Auge, raised in the French Alps, speaks of the Himalayas with profound respect. “This is a different experience,” he says, gesturing to the vast landscape before him. His compatriot, Nabil El, now living in Australia, nods in agreement.
For the local athletes, the games represent more than just competition. Firdous Ahmad Sheikh from Tangmarg, Yasmeen Sajad from Sopore, Mehak Mushtaq from Palhalan Pattan, and Aalima Zainab from Tangmarg express their excitement in meeting world-class ski and snowboard experts. “It’s an out-of-this-world experience,” they convey, their enthusiasm unmistakable. Others, like Virginia Winstone from New Zealand, Laura Thornton from Wisconsin, USA, and Australian ski guide Bill Barker, have also been drawn to the event, contributing to the creation of a vibrant global village in Gulmarg where snow unites everyone.
As the preparations intensify for the upcoming games, the atmosphere in Gulmarg is charged with excitement. The pristine slopes eagerly await their moment to shine, ready to showcase not only athletic talent but also the renowned hospitality of Kashmir.
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