GULMARG: Over 650 participants competed across eight events as the Chinar Open Winter Games 2026 concluded at the renowned Gulmarg Ski Resort on Friday.
A flagship initiative of the Indian Army, the two-day event was organised under the aegis of the Dagger Division of the Chinar Corps. A Srinagar-based defence spokesman described the Games as a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, community spirit and youth empowerment.
This year’s edition witnessed record participation, with 660 athletes — including 166 girls and 494 boys — competing in eight disciplines, reflecting growing enthusiasm for winter sports in the Valley and a steady rise in female participation.
The event featured high-adrenaline skiing races, thrilling snowboarding competitions and graceful skating performances, drawing large crowds of locals, tourists and sports enthusiasts. Young athletes tested their skills against some of the region’s finest competitors amid Gulmarg’s snow-clad landscape.
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, attended the closing ceremony and interacted with participants, organisers and members of the local community. He lauded the organisation of the Games and praised the high standard of sportsmanship displayed by the youth.
Lt Gen Sharma termed the initiative a meaningful effort to channel the aspirations of Kashmir’s youth towards constructive nation-building activities and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to promoting peace, progress and opportunity through sports.
