Srinagar, Feb 20: The slopes of Gulmarg were dotted with more than just skiers this week. As the Chinar Open Winter Games 2026 wrapped up on Friday, the numbers told a compelling story of change: 166 girls were among the 660 athletes who participated.
Organised by the Army’s Dagger Division, the annual event has often been viewed through the lens of security outreach. However, this year’s edition, which concluded on February 20, highlighted a growing sporting culture in the valley, with record-breaking participation from local youth.
The numbers are significant. With 494 boys and 166 girls competing across eight events—ranging from alpine skiing to snowboarding and skating—organisers noted a steady rise in women’s participation. For many young athletes from Kashmir, the Games served as a rare competitive platform against some of the region’s finest skiers, drawing enthusiastic crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, who visited the venue, lauded the standard of sportsmanship and described the initiative as a constructive outlet for the aspirations of Kashmiri youth.
Beyond the medals and the applause, the event underscored a quieter objective: rebranding Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination. With the Indian Army doubling down on sports infrastructure and talent scouting in the region, the message from the slopes was clear—the race is now for opportunity.
