Snow rich, medal poor: J&K’s 10th rank in KIWG sparks calls on winter sports reform

By: Naved Aslam – Ziraat Times

Gulmarg, 27 Feb: The curtain has fallen on the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, Kashmir edition, but for the host J&K, the results have left a bitter chill. Despite possessing the country’s most premier winter sports infrastructure, “Winter Sports Capital of India” tag  and the natural advantage of snow, ski slopes and ice, Jammu & Kashmir, with only four medals, has plummeted to the 10th spot in the final medals tally.

Ironically, even the states that have no snow, ice and skiing infrastructure have secured more medals than J&K.

The official medals tally tell a story of stagnation. Out of the dozens of medals contested on their home turf, J&K managed a meager haul of just four medals, including a solitary gold. In a startling reversal of roles, snowless states like Haryana and Maharashtra, along with the nascent sporting infrastructure of Ladakh, have surged ahead, leaving the region with the country’s most elaborate winter sports facilities trailing in their wake.

The KIWG 2026 final standings

The disparity in performance is laid bare in the official rankings, where states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Ladakh  dominated the podiums:

Infrastructure without impact

For decades, Gulmarg has been touted as a world-class destination, yet the 10th-place finish suggests that infrastructure alone cannot bridge the gap created by a lack of professional mentorship. Critics argue that while the Gondola and the groomed slopes are elite, the human element – training, merit-based selection and athlete welfare – has been neglected in favor of high-profile PR events.

The decline is felt most acutely by the athletes themselves.

“We have the best natural slopes in Asia, but we are being beaten by athletes who often train on plastic mats or small synthetic rinks in the plains,” says a promising alpine skier from Baramulla, his breath visible in the freezing air.

“It’s embarrassing to finish 10th at home. The system needs an overhaul; we only see the officials when the cameras are rolling for the inauguration. We need a professional calendar, not a four-day festival.”

The meritocracy gap

The success of the Indian Army, which topped the table with 23 medals, offers a blueprint that J&K has seemingly failed to follow. A veteran ski instructor at Gulmarg pointed out that the Army’s “Mission Olympic” mindset is what wins medals, not just having access to snow.

“Selection must be based on timing and merit, not on who knows whom in the administration,” he remarked sternly. “In J&K, we wait for the first snowfall to start thinking about equipment. Our local talent is being wasted while other states treat this like a science.”

This lack of professional depth has hit female athletes the hardest. As other states celebrated multiple female podium finishes, J&K’s women were largely absent from the winner’s circle.

“Women in Kashmir have immense potential, but where is the support?” asks a female student athlete who participated in the Nordic events. “There are no dedicated scholarships or safe, professional training camps for us. While other states are providing international-standard coaching to their girls, we are still struggling for basic gear.”

A call to the top

The frustration among the youth who desire to be world class skiers is palpable. For many, winter sports are not just a hobby but a ticket out of economic hardship, a dream that feels increasingly out of reach.

“We see these games as a chance to reach international levels, but the training provided is basic at best,” says an aspiring student from Srinagar.

“We need exposure to European training methods and high-performance equipment. If states like Telangana can produce gold medalists in winter sports, why can’t we?”

The eyes of the sporting community are now turned toward the sports leadership. With Chief Minister Omar Abdullah being an accomplished skier himself, there is a desperate hope for a top-down overhaul of  J&K’s sports development system.

“The Chief Minister understands the technicalities of the sport better than most,” noted a local sports analyst.

“We call upon him to ensure that training happens professionally and rigorously, not just during limited winter months. Without international standard mentorship and a transparent selection process, J&K will soon vanish from the medals tally entirely.”

Officials of J&K Sports Council could not be reached for their opinion on the matter.

As the flags are lowered and the teams depart, the message from the slopes of Gulmarg is clear: J&K’s natural beauty is no longer enough to hide its sporting stagnation.