Gulmarg Winter Games 2026 Revive Kashmir Tourism and Local Economy

Gulmarg is set to showcase the tangible benefits of the government’s Khelo Bharat Niti as it prepares to host the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) from February 23 to 26, 2026. The event is expected to drive a surge in tourism, local economic activity, and national participation, reflecting the policy’s goal of strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.

Launched in July 2025 by the Union Sports Ministry, Khelo Bharat Niti aims to promote sports infrastructure, talent identification, and international competitiveness while boosting allied sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and sports technology. Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s premier winter destinations, has already seen increased interest from domestic tourists and athletes ahead of the Games.

Local businesses are witnessing significant benefits, with hotels and resorts reporting strong bookings. Abeed, a hotelier at Sheen Woods Tangmarg, said the influx of athletes from states including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir has created a vibrant atmosphere, with tourists and participants bringing life back to the region.

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The KIWG has steadily grown since its inaugural edition in 2020, which featured 1,123 athletes across 13 disciplines. The 2023 edition marked a peak with 1,395 participants, while the upcoming sixth edition emphasizes legacy-building and revival of tourism following the sharp decline in visitor numbers after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

Beyond hotels, seasonal workers are also seeing improved earnings. Sledge pullers Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Rafiq anticipate daily incomes of Rs 1,500–3,000 during the Games, highlighting the socio-economic impact of sporting events on local livelihoods.

The 2026 edition will feature four medal disciplines—ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowboarding—drawing athletes and spectators from across India. As Gulmarg prepares for the event, the Khelo India Winter Games are emerging as a prime example of how sports policy can simultaneously promote national athletic culture and drive regional economic development.

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