Thrills & triumphs mark inaugural day of Khelo India Winter Games 2025

GULMARG, MARCH 09:The pristine snow-covered slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg came alive on Sunday as the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 kicked off with high-octane action and a breathtaking display of athleticism. 
The grand sporting event set the stage for some of the finest winter sports performances India has ever witnessed.
The air crackled with excitement as athletes from across the country vied for supremacy, their determination etched in every swift turn, every daring descent, and every triumphant leap over the powdery snow. 
Against the backdrop of the stunning mountains range, competitors showcased their grit and finesse, leaving the crowd spellbound.
The opening day featured fiercely contested events, with participants battling not just their rivals but also the elements.
In the Men’s Snowboarding Slalom, Jammu and Kashmir’s Mehrajuddin Khan carved his way to gold with a flawless run, while his compatriot Zubair Ahmad Lone secured silver in an electrifying finish. Vivek Rana from the Army clinched bronze, completing the podium for an event that had spectators at the edge of their seats.
The Women’s Snowboarding Slalom saw Menka Gunjiyal of Uttarakhand glide effortlessly to victory, claiming gold. The battle for silver and bronze was fierce, with Himachal Pradesh’s Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Maher securing second and third places, in a thrilling contest of skill and speed.
In the Ski Mountaineering Men’s Sprint, Army’s Rajeshwar Singh dominated the treacherous ascent and descent, seizing the gold. Siddharth from Maharashtra put up a commendable effort to secure silver, while Mayank Dimri from Uttarakhand bagged bronze in an event that tested the endurance and agility of the competitors.
In the Alpine Skiing Slalom, witnessed Yogesh Kumar from Himachal Pradesh clinching gold with a masterful display of precision and control. Jigmet Rafastan from the Army took silver, while his teammate Bakir Hussain secured bronze, capping off a day of exhilarating action on the slopes.
In the final competition of the, Bhawani Thekkada of Karnataka won gold in the Women’s 5 km Nordic Skiing event. Selma Soreng of ITBP earned a well-deserved silver, while her teammate Kusum Rana to clinched the bronze. 
Beyond the competition, the true spirit of the Khelo India Winter Games was evident in the jubilant celebrations of the athletes. The powdery snowfields of Gulmarg turned into a playground of joy as victors and participants alike reveled in their shared love for winter sports.
“It’s not just about winning. It’s about feeling the adrenaline rush, pushing your limits, and embracing the beauty of the mountains,” said gold medalist Mehrajuddin Khan, his breath visible in the crisp mountain air.
The participating athletes echoed similar sentiments. 
“Competing here, amidst these majestic peaks, is an experience like no other. The camaraderie among athletes makes it even more special,” they said.
The opening day of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 proved to be an unforgettable spectacle, with more thrilling action on the horizon. 
As the competition intensifies in the coming days, Gulmarg’s snow-laden slopes are set to witness more moments of glory and unyielding determination.
Medalists:
Snowboarding Slalom (Men)
Gold: Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K)
Silver: Zubair Ahmad Lone (J&K)
Bronze: Vivek Rana   (Army)
Snowboarding Slalom (Women)
Gold: Menka Gunjiyal (Uttrakhand)
Silver: Sakshi Thakur (Himachal Pradesh)
Bronze: Natasha Maher (Himachal Prades)
Ski Mountaineering Men’s Spirint
Gold: Rajeshwar Singh (Army)
Silver: Siddharth (Maharashtra)
Bronze: Mayank Dimri (Uttrakhand)
Alpine Skiing Slalom
Gold: Yogesh Kumar (HP)
Silver: Jigmet Rafastan (Army)
Bronze: Bakir Hussain (Army)
Nordic Skiing (5 km Women) 
Gold: Bhawani Thekkada (KAR)
Silver: Selma Soreng (ITBP)
Bronze Kusum Rana (ITBP)