Gulmarg, 19 February (H.S.): The Gulmarg leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2026, scheduled from February 23 to 26, will vividly demonstrate the 'Khelo India' policy's tangible outcomes in bolstering sports, tourism, infrastructure, and local economy, as articulated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Top national skiers, including Winter Olympians, will compete in ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, and snowboarding on Kongdoori slopes, providing a national platform while catalyzing sports tourism.

Tourist influx during the third week of February signals economic revival, with hotelier Abeed of Tangmarg's Sheen Woods Resort noting bookings surged weeks ahead: This isn't just tourism; it's our identity—Gulmarg becomes India's heart during the Games, amid diverse athletes from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana, and J&K.

Tourism officials report ~2,300 beds across hotels and huts in Gulmarg, over 50% pre-booked; March-end figures are projected to surpass 2025's record, post-April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack slump—from 26 lakh visitors in 2024 to 10.47 lakh in 2025—with New Year recovery amplified by Games preparations.

Local sledge-pullers like Altaf Hussain and Mohammad Rafique earn ₹500–1,500 per tourist, seeing significant spikes during events. The Games promise not only athletic spectacle but economic and social renewal for Himalayan residents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar