Central University of Kashmir to Host All India Inter-University Winter Games at Gulmarg

Srinagar: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) is all set to host the prestigious All India Inter-University Winter Games 2024-25 at the scenic Gulmarg from January 30 to 31.

The event will feature skiing and ice stock competitions for male and female athletes, aiming to promote sportsmanship, winter sports, and Gulmarg’s standing as a premier destination for winter sports in India.

Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir, Professor A Ravinder Nath said that they are all set to host the prestigious All India Inter-University Winter Games 2024-25 at the scenic Gulmarg from January 30th to 31st, 2025.

The event aims to bring together top athletes from across the nation, creating a platform for them to compete and showcase their skills. “This initiative will further strengthen the university’s commitment to promoting sports at the national level and enhancing participation in winter sports among university students,” he said.

The Giant Slalom event is scheduled for January 30th, followed by the Slalom ski event on January 31st. Ice stock competitions will also take place on both days. The games will witness participation from 27 universities across the country, with 200 athletes competing.

Athletes, along with their managers and coaches, will arrive in Srinagar on January 29th and will stay at the Kashmir Palace Hotel. They will travel to Gulmarg in university buses for the inauguration ceremony on January 30th, where the Hon’ble Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, will be the chief guest. The valedictory function is slated for the evening of January 31st, Ravindernath said.

Promoting Winter Sports and Cultural Tourism

The event, organized with the theme of skill development and fitness awareness, aims to encourage university athletes to engage in winter sports like skiing and ice stock while showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Gulmarg.

Ravindernath further said, The participating universities include institutions from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and other states, reflecting the event’s nationwide significance. Notable universities include Darshan University Rajkot, LNIPE Gwalior, Islamic University Kashmir, and Central University of Kashmir, among others.

“We at CUKashmir is set to launch a unique coaching-cum-counselling programme for aspirants of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and National Eligibility Test (NET) starting February 2025,” he said, adding, “This programme will be conducted in three phases, beginning with CUET PG aspirants, followed by CUET UG, and then NET aspirants”.

Participants can register online for a nominal fee of ₹200, with sessions featuring guidance from toppers and experienced faculty. “This initiative, the first of its kind in J&K, underscores CUKashmir’s commitment to empowering students and fostering academic excellence”, he said.