The upcoming Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, February 23-26, 2026, vividly illustrates the success of India’s ‘Khelo India’ policy in merging athletic ambition with economic momentum. Launched last July, this blueprint enhances sports infrastructure, unearths talent, and promotes international success, while big events catalyze tourism, manufacturing, and tech growth.
Gulmarg’s storied slopes have hosted editions that progressively amplified participation and prestige. Elite competitors, from Olympians to rising stars, are rallying the community, where sports tourism sustains daily life.
Local hotel owner Abid at Tangmarg’s Sheen Woods highlights the frenzy: bookings locked weeks early. Gesturing to a melting pot of competitors from MP, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana, and J&K, he says, ‘This defines us. Games make Gulmarg India’s vibrant center—diverse voices unite.’
Milestones include 2020’s 1,123 entrants (J&K dominant), 2021’s 1,208 with 18 local golds, 2023’s record 1,395 yielding J&K’s medal haul. Strong showings from Army, Himachal, Karnataka in subsequent years.
Post-Pahalgam terror dip (tourists from 2.6M to 1.047M), optimism surges: holiday crowds and event buzz fill >50% of 2,300 lodgings.
Kongdori’s Altaf Hussain and Mohammad Rafiq ready sleds. ‘Games revive us,’ Hussain affirms. ‘Earnings: 500-1,500 per fare, 1,500-3,000 daily peaks.’
Ski mountaineering, alpine, cross-country skiing, snowboarding await. The Games prove sports policy’s prowess in economic stimulation, national cohesion, and affirming Gulmarg as India’s winter sports powerhouse.