Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 began with great fervor on the snowy slopes of Gulmarg, bringing together athletes and officials from across the country.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the event, emphasizing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and highlighting Gulmarg’s emergence as a winter sports hub.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stakeholders for their efforts in promoting sports and enhancing infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, including 92 Khelo India Centers training 4500 players and the Khel Gaon in Nagrota.
Day 1 was marked by stellar athletic performances against the breathtaking Kangdoori backdrop. Athletes from diverse regions demonstrated exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Key results included:
- Men’s Snowboarding Slalom: Gold for Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K), Silver for Zubair Ahmad Lone (J&K), Bronze for Vivek Rana (Army).
- Women’s Snowboarding Slalom: Gold for Menka Gunjiyal (Uttarakhand), Silver for Sakshi Thakur (Himachal Pradesh), Bronze for Natasha Maher (Himachal Pradesh).
- Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint: Gold for Rajeshwar Singh (Army), Silver for Siddharth (Maharashtra), Bronze for Mayank Dimri (Uttarakhand).
- Alpine Skiing Slalom: Gold for Yogesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh), Silver for Jigmet Rafastan (Army), Bronze for Bakir Hussain (Army).
- Nordic Skiing (Women’s 5 km): Gold for Bhawani Thekkada (Karnataka), Silver for Selma Soreng (Indo-Tibetan Border Police – ITBP), Bronze for Kusum Rana (ITBP).
The opening ceremony saw dignitaries like Satish Sharma, Farooq Ahmed Shah, Nazir Ahmad, Minga Sherpa, and Nuzhat Gul in attendance, along with enthusiastic spectators and officials. Beyond the intense competition, the Games celebrated camaraderie and the joy of winter sports, as participants expressed gratitude and excitement for the remarkable opportunity.
As Gulmarg continues to host this festival of sports, more exhilarating events are lined up, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
