Good news to travel junkies! One of the best skiing destinations in Asia, ‘Gulmarg’ is ready to embrace five-day long National winter games from 7th March 2020. The event will be a part of the Khelo India programme that will showcase the magnificent beauty of Kashmir at the national level with participants becoming the brand ambassadors of Kashmir including Gulmarg.
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju will be inaugurating the event that is expected to draw 800+ participants from across the country. The event will be the first big sporting event in Kashmir Valley after the abrogation of Article 370 last year.
National winter games will be covering 30 events including snow skiing, snowboarding, snow show, figure skating, ice hockey, tobogganing, speed skating and much more. The abode of flowers, Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination as it offers the best slopes for skiing for adventure seekers and picturesque view of snow-covered rolling meadows from atop the mountains for the nature lover.
Khelo India Winter Games will be held at Kongdori, Gulmarg in four age categories for both boys and girls. Participants in the age categories of 19-21 years, 17-18 years, 15-16 years and 13-14 years can compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Gulmarg has started gearing up for the event by putting in place arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event including boarding, lodging and transport facilities for participants. As per official statements, the event will possibly include live display of demonstration stalls that will display local craftsmanship for handicraft, handloom and textile, besides, food festivals and cultural events.
In the last 6 months, Kashmir has witnessed a sharp decline in tourism. Despite revoking the travel advisory a few months back, the paradise on earth hasn’t been able to gain back its lost glory and failed to attract tourists. With the winter games approaching, one can expect a positive impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry, particularly in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Srinagar. So folk! Prepare your mind for an adventurous trip to Kashmir and enjoy national winter games 2020 like they are meant to be.
