5th National Winter Games

 5th National Winter Games are being held at Gulmarg from February 17-22, 2008 (10th to 15th February?). More than 500 sportsmen and women are expected to participate in the event which includes skiing, snow boarding, ice hockey, ice skating etc.

Organizers:

J&K State Tourism Department
Winter Games Federation of India
J&K Olympic Association
Ministry for Tourism
Ministry for Sports

The famous snow leopard of Kashmir will be the mascot of the games. National Winter Games have been held in Gulmarg twice since 1998.

Winter sports machinery
“Latest and modern” winter sports machinery and ski equipment would be imported to provide better services and facilities to the participants during the games.

Other events
Alpine events at Kangdoori and Nordic events at Gulmarg Golf Course.

Media and communication
A full-fledged media centre will be set-up in the Gulmarg to give wide coverage of the event at National and International level. BSNL would lay optical fiber cable link to ensure quick information and communication with Broad Band Service for the media persons.

Electicity & Power
Power Department will keep additional requisite number of transformers stand by to meet any eventuality. Gulmarg will be supplied electricity from two sources, one from Receiving Station, Amargad, Sopore and 2nd from Receiving Station, Pattan to ensure un-interrupted power supply during the event.

Water
The PHE department will ensure round the clock water supply by improving and upgrading the existing water storage and distribution system.

Snow clearing
The Mechanical Engineering Department shall deploy permanently 4 modern snow clearance machines to ensure quick snow clearance from Tangmarg to Gulmarg roads.

Health
Health Department would ensure availability of adequate Medicare facility, diagnostic equipment and medicines at Gulmarg during the event. Additional 4 x 4 ambulances would be kept readily available at the venue.

12 thoughts on “5th National Winter Games

  1. Colonel VeerChauhan

    Its great to see Gulmarg come a full circle.
    One has been associated with its developments ever since early 60’s in various capacities
    Skied every nuk&crany a thausand times all trecking up on foot every time
    The heart bleeds most for Gulmarg

    The VERY BEST OF LUCK

    Dont hessitate to call upon me for any assistance

  2. Sathwick

    Colonel,
    Do you have any updates on the winter games?
    Is it from 17-Feb or from 10-Feb?
    Regards,
    Sathwick

  3. Rohit

    This is from Indian press as recent as 1/18 – hope it helps:

    The fifth National Winter Games will be held at Gulmarg from February 18 to 22. The Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI) announced on Friday (1/18) that 11 States and union territories have sent in their entries for the Games to be hosted by the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir.
    The five-day event will have teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and host Jammu and Kashmir.
    There will be competitions in six disciplines — alpine ski, cross country ski, ice skating, ice hockey, snowboarding and biathlon — at the Games.
    The Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI) will overlook the technical conduct of the games.
    The main thrust of the game would be to identify six potential skiers who can be chosen for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The selected lot will undergo training abroad.

  4. Colonel VeerChauhan

    Thanks Sathwick,
    As it stands now its with effect from 18 feb2008; at GULMARG.
    I had spoken to the President Winter Games Federation Of India this morning itself; to discuss certain points of mutual interest Viz : Training the Indian Ski Team of 2010 winter Olympics Probable’s at a Ski resort at US/ Austria; Or, at Canada-Whistler Mountain itself.
    And participation of other Indian States in the 5th winter games… etc.

    There’s another Event, i.e.:- Qualifying round at AULI, (near Joshimath, Uttaranchal) on 4th Feb08.
    These are the preliminaries to facilitate aspirants to qualify for the eligibility for the National winter Games: something akin to the mandatory World Cups, preceding the Winter Olympics.

    (incidentally Auli along with Narkanda were the Two ski Centers that I initiated & opened as branches of The Indian Institute Of Skiing & Mountaineering, while I were its Principal)

    Hopefully see you at Gulmarg during the National Winter Games

    Good Cheers,
    Colonel VeerChauhan

    { Thanks Rohit, Keep up the good work.
    veeru}

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  5. Sathwick

    Hi Colonel/Rohit,
    I snowboard, and have spoken to Col.S.C.Narang from WSFI for the National Games, to see if it is possible to participate. Since there are no teams from Karnataka (I am from Bangalore), he suggested to join in the Delhi team.
    I will be heading to Gulmarg, Ski and Mountaineering Institute to practice a week earlier. I have sent a DD for 4500 to the institute already.
    Colonel, if I can get your contact, it will be most helpful.
    Regards,
    Sathwick

  6. Munjal

    Hi Sathwick,
    We are from B’lore and ski-buffs. It would be good to exchange notes. munjal_c@hotmail.com

    Others,
    We are going to Auli week of Feb. 18. Anyone has lastest snow reports / a good web-site that gives this info? Also what is the smallest size of gear they have there? I’d like to put my 3.5yr old on skis this time.

    Thanks,

    Munjal

  7. tanvir

    hi colonel, i am coming to gulmarg tomorrow. i did not know the winter games were on when i booked, will i still be able to ski? will it be possible to get somewhere to stay, and if so will prices be more expensive than usual as i am on a budget?

    i am looking forward to seeing the events and soaking up the atmosphere. thanks. tanvir

  8. tim

    hi colonel. i arrive in gulmarg tomorrow. i did not know at the time of booking that the winter games would be on, will i still be able to ski/use the gondola etc? is there any accomodation available as i heard the authorities had booked eveything for competitors?

    i am looking forward to seeing the events and sampling the atmosphere. thanks. tim

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