The third edition of winter games is set to begin in Gulmarg with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, launching the anthem and jersey at Raj Bhavan in Jammu. The two also launched the mascot of the games which this year is going to be the majestic snow leopard found in the Himalayas. The winter carnival is a momentous occasion for Jammu and Kashmir as it provides a platform not only to showcase the paradise of winter sports in the Valley but also the rich heritage, culture and hospitality. This year, more than 1500 sportspersons from all parts of the country are expected to participate in various sporting events which will be held over the course of a week or so. According to an official spokesperson, this year’s event at Gulmarg will host the largest ever contingent. Ever since the administration decided to hold the winter games in Gulmarg, the annual event has put the north Kashmir skiing resort on the global map of winter games. Gulmarg needs no introduction among domestic and foreign tourists. It is indisputably the most popular tourist destination in Kashmir. The Gandola ride up to the Afartwat peak is any traveller’s delight. But, during winter, there is a different level of enthusiasm and different types of adrenaline rushing through the visitors. Also, the winter games attract local youngsters to learn winter sports such as skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. The carnival at Gulmarg attracts not just the professional sports persons but also amateurs who are attracted to the powder and want to hone their skills. In the process, it opens up several employment opportunities for the local stakeholders such as hoteliers, sledge-owners, shopkeepers, horse-owners and others. Not only are the hotel rooms in the north Kashmir resort filled to the brim, but finding even common equipment for daily hiring like ski boots and snowboards becomes a herculean task. It has to be mentioned that following the abrogation of Article 370, world class sports infrastructure and facilities are being set up in J&K. The transformation taking place in the sporting ecosystem for more than three years has put Jammu and Kashmir on the trajectory of success and prosperity. A momentum has built up among youngsters towards sports. J&K’s sports persons are making the nation proud at domestic and international events. With events such as the winter games, it is hoped that Kashmir will emerge as a bright star in international sporting arenas.