Avalanche kills one skier in Gulmarg

Two-time Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan has urged the Union sports ministry to enable at least one proper infrastructure on the slopes of Gulmarg to prepare Indian athletes for global events.

The medals glittered in the thin mountain sun, but when athletes were asked where the real gold was forged, they didn't point to the podium. They pointed uphill toward the snowbound ridges of Gulmarg and the disciplined, relentless world of the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), according to a release.

Mandaviya emphasised that sports have the power to unite society, foster sportsmanship, create harmony and drive development. Reflecting on his interaction with athletes and coaches at Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir, he noted the remarkable sporting spirit emerging from the region.

Another five medals were decided on Day 2 of KIWG 2026 on Tuesday. The highlight of the day was Nordic skier Kajal Kumari Rai of CRPF winning her second consecutive gold medal of the competition. Ten gold medals have been decided in Gulmarg leg so far. Army added one more to their three overnight to tally five golds so far.

Just five days before the Khelo India Winter Games in 2025, Kajal's world had collapsed. Her father died unexpectedly, forcing her to abandon training and return home to Shillong for his last rites. The rituals ended, but the grief did not. Still, Kajal returned to Gulmarg to compete, carrying shock and sorrow heavier than any snowfall.