Srinagar, Feb 18: The Indian Army is set to host the “Chinar Open Winter Games 2026” in Gulmarg on February 19 and 20, aiming to promote winter sports and identify emerging talent across Kashmir.
Set against the snow-clad slopes of the Pir Panjal range, the two-day sporting extravaganza will bring together amateur athletes, adventure enthusiasts and budding winter sports professionals on a competitive platform designed to test endurance, skill and sporting spirit.
“Combining adventure, endurance and competitive spirit, the event offers a premier platform for amateur athletes and enthusiasts to showcase their abilities amid the majestic Himalayas. Join this inspiring celebration of grit, excellence and the true spirit of wintersports.#wintergames#kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA@JKSportsCouncil@Media_SAI@OfficeOfLGJandK,” Chinar Corps- Indiann Army said in a post on X.
Officials said the initiative aims to encourage greater participation in winter disciplines and foster a culture of sportsmanship among youth in the Valley.
“The Chinar Open Winter Games are not just a competition but a celebration of resilience, discipline and excellence. We want to provide young athletes an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a structured and professionally managed environment,” officials said.
The Army has been actively supporting sports initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas where winter sports potential remains largely untapped.
The event will feature multiple winter sports activities designed to test physical endurance, technical skills and competitive spirit. Participants from different districts are expected to take part, with organisers anticipating enthusiastic local involvement.
“Gulmarg offers world-class natural terrain for winter sports. By organising events like this, we hope to nurture talent at the grassroots level and inspire youth to pursue winter sports more seriously,” he added.
Gulmarg, often referred to as India’s winter sports capital, attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the country and abroad during the snow season.
