Khelo India Winter Games 2025: dates and venues announced
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The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the schedule and venues for the 2025 Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG).
Ladakh will host ice events from January 23 to 27, while snow events will be held in Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to 25, marking another exciting season of the Khelo India initiative.
The Winter Games will launch the 2025 Khelo India season, with the Youth and Para Games slated for April in Bihar. Additionally, the Khelo India University Games are also on the horizon, reflecting the program's growing impact on India's sporting landscape.
The Khelo India Winter Games, which began in 2020, have seen remarkable growth in participation. The inaugural event featured nearly 1,000 athletes, including 306 women. By 2022, the numbers had surged to over 1,500 athletes, showcasing the increasing popularity of winter sports, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 2024 edition saw over 1,200 participants, including 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, and 250 volunteers. A total of 136 medals were contested.
For the first time in 2024, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), managed the technical aspects of the Games alongside the National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This streamlined approach set the stage for India to identify top talent for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of these Games, stating, "The Winter Games are crucial for identifying athletes to represent India at international events like the Winter Olympics."
Ladakh will host ice events for the second consecutive year, following its successful organization of skating and hockey competitions in 2024. Jammu and Kashmir will continue to host snow events such as skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg, which has been a consistent venue for winter sports.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the increasing involvement of athletes from remote Himalayan villages, stating, "It is our endeavour to promote winter sports and encourage more athletes to take up skiing and skating."
With the growing popularity of the Khelo India Winter Games, the 2025 edition promises to build on its success, fostering talent and expanding the reach of winter sports across India.
