Gulmarg (Baramulla) [India], February 23 : The Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Baramulla, are facing a challenge due to insufficient snowfall this year. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the issue on Sunday, stating that skiers are still enjoying the experience despite the lack of snow. To make the most of the situation, heliskiing activities commenced on February 23.
"...This year, we did not get as much snow as we wanted. Despite this, skiers are enjoying it. Heliskiing is starting from today...," said Abdullah.
Abdullah expressed optimism about the upcoming snowfall, predicting that the region will receive more snow over the next three days. Following this, experts from the Ski Federation will inspect the slopes to determine if the conditions are suitable for the Khelo India Winter Games. The event will be organised immediately if the experts give the green light.
"Snowfall is expected for three more days. After that, experts from the Ski Federation will be sent. They will inspect the slopes, and if there is enough snow for the Khelo India Winter Games, the event will be organised immediately. If snowfall is fine, it can be conducted in the first week of March," said the J-K CM.
CM Omar Abdullah further said that those who are not participating in skiing go sightseeing.
"Those who do not participate in skiing they go for sightseeing. Now helicopter rides will be available during summer also, and Gulmarg will be known for heliskiing as well as Helicopter safari," he said.
"We are talking with private investors for new infrastructure in Gulmarg to boost skiing, and then some projects are expected from Cable Car Corporation," he added.
The Khelo India Winter Games were initially scheduled to take place from February 22-25, featuring national competitions in Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding. However, the lack of snowfall prompted the organizers to postpone the event.
Rauf Tramboo, President of the Winter Games Association of J-K, expressed his dismay over the situation, emphasizing the impact on all stakeholders involved.
"This is a disappointment for all of us, those who are involved with the sports, not only the athletes who are going to take part in this beautiful event but also those who are coming from far and wide to see this event, so disappointment for all," Tramboo stated.
He acknowledged that the decision was beyond human control as the snowfall levels were insufficient to facilitate the games. "But nature sometimes plays a role which is not in anybody's hands, and because of this snowfall, which was not good enough for these games, we had to postpone these games," he added.
Authorities closely monitor weather updates and consult with the Meteorological Department to determine suitable dates for rescheduling the event.
"We'll take a call; our MET department is engaging with us. We are getting feedback from them. February 24, 25 and 26, three days are there where we are expecting a good spill of snowfall. After that, we'll take a call for the next dates when we are going to organize," Tramboo said.
Organizers remain hopeful that the expected snowfall will allow the event to proceed soon, ensuring a competitive and thrilling experience for participants and fans.