'Winter Sports' Centre Of Excellence Set To Come Up In Jammu And Kashmir

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 18:37 IST

Mansukh Mandaviya announced a National Centre of Excellence for winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir, with Gulmarg set to host a 15-day Khelo India Winter Games festival.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday (February 26) announced that a National Centre of Excellence for winter sports will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir, while also revealing that future editions of the Khelo India Winter Games will be transformed into a 15-day festival blending sport and culture.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Mandaviya reiterated the Centre’s vision of developing the region into a world-class winter sports destination.

“The land of Kashmir has immense potential. A National Centre of Excellence will be established here. Gulmarg will be the global hub for Winter Sports in the coming times," he said at the Gulmarg Golf Course, as quoted by PTI. “Now the Winter Games will not be limited to four days. By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day-long Winter Games that will include a Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions," he stated.

“I am all for a 15-day festival in Gulmarg. It will not only have all the components of winter sports competition like skiing and snow mountaineering, it will also include a FIT India carnival and cultural programmes to give it a festive atmosphere. To explore the amazing potential of the region, we need to do more to make a global tourism destination," he added.

It needs to be seen if this Centre of Excellence would be at par with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s institution with the same name in Bengaluru. Although the high-class facility is mostly used by cricketers, it is said to be open to other atheletes, too.

The announcement came amid the Winter Olympics in Italy, where only two Indian men are competing. India’s historically minimal presence in the Winter Olympics is attributed to a lack of specialized infrastructure, high costs for atheletes, and a subtropical climate that limits grassroots participation.

The minister felicitated the Indian Army team for successfully defending their Khelo India Winter Games title. The Army topped the medals tally with 23 medals, including nine gold, six silver and eight bronze. Himachal Pradesh finished second with 14 medals (six gold, seven silver and one bronze), while Haryana secured third place.

Highlighting policy reforms, Mandaviya said, “Khelo Bharat Niti will fulfil the aspirations of the youth of India. Times have changed and there can be no politics in sports. Our policies are athlete-centric and not built in favour of national federations."

(With PTI Inputs)

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