Opinion | Chinar Open Winter Games: Blending Sport Push With Anti-Drug Drive

The Winter Games demonstrate that even the harshest climates can be leveraged for constructive and enjoyable activities

The Indian Army-sponsored two-day Chinar Open Winter Games is starting today (February 19) in snow-clad Gulmarg, renewing and reaffirming its commitment towards promoting sports to enhance community interaction and end social evils like the drugs menace, which have left a debilitating impact on Kashmiri youth for decades.

The objective of the February 19–20, 2026 Games is to nurture Kashmir’s emerging talent by promoting winter sports, adventure, endurance and a healthy competitive spirit.

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For the UT administration, terrorism and drugs are two major challenges that require constant and consistent attention. The drugs menace, in particular, has risen to alarming proportions in the last few years, turning a health issue into a socio-economic emergency affecting families and extended communities, shaking the administrative system to its very core.

Recently published health reports reveal that over 2.5 lakh youth in Jammu and Kashmir are victims of some form of substance abuse. This is a distressing statistic showing a generation of youth being on the edge.

From cannabis to heroin and to pharmaceutical drugs like Spasmoproxyvon and Tramadol, all are sold or freely available in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Anantnag.

To prevent devastating impact, social stigma, mental health disorders, crimes, suicides and collapse of moral and educational values, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps through initiatives like “Operation Sadbhavana" and Chinar Open Winter Games and its 45 Army Goodwill Schools has been offering Kashmiri youth opportunities to get their lives back on track; showcase their talents as students, athletes and enthusiasts. Celebrating grit, excellence in education and true spirit in sports is the Indian Army’s way towards nurturing the misguided.

Gulmarg is widely regarded as one of India’s finest destinations for snow-based adventure sports. The Indian Army promotes structured training opportunities for aspiring athletes, adventure enthusiasts and young competitors from across the region. The Games celebrate endurance, skill and healthy competition among local youth.

This year’s Open Winter Games hopes to build on the success of previous years. Last year, a record 600 competitors took part in the Winter Games, including young girls. Events ranged from skiing and snowboarding to skating competitions. The participation has increased steadily year-on-year, and officials see the Games not merely as a sporting contest, but also visualise it as an initiative for youth engagement, discipline and teamwork.

The event on Thursday and Friday is likely to draw large crowds and spark off a renewed interest in winter athletics.

The Chinar Open Winter Games have already provided India with its leading alpine skier Arif Khan, who is currently taking part in the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, carrying the aspirations of millions of Indians by taking on the world’s best in his sport.

Arif, who hails from Tangmarg, began his skiing journey at a very young age in Gulmarg.

Gulmarg Development Authority CEO Tariq Hussain Naik extended best wishes to Arif Khan, commending his dedication and perseverance through the media, describing him a role model for aspiring athletes across the region and beyond.

“From early training sessions in Gulmarg’s snow-covered terrain to competing in global championships, Arif’s career reflects sustained commitment and passion for winter sports. His rise has also played a significant role in promoting alpine skiing in India and drawing attention to Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination," Naik said.

Sports enthusiasts and athletes in Gulmarg voiced hope that Arif will keep the tricolour flying high at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.

Organised with the support of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, the Games have sent out a strong message against drug abuse, sedentary habits and seasonal lethargy. Among the variety of activities are snow cricket, snow Kho Kho, volleyball and snowshoe races, designed to keep participants active despite sub-zero temperatures. These events provide physical exercise, team spirit and resilience among the youth.

The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council highlighted that the Snow Sports is part of a broader effort to promote fitness and holistic development in remote regions, where limited recreational options often lead to idleness.

Enthusiastic participants said the Games offer a unique platform to enjoy winter sports while bonding with peers and learning new skills. Local youth leaders also appreciated the event’s role in creating awareness about healthy lifestyles and fostering a sense of community participation.

The Sports Council is planning to have additional workshops, coaching sessions and inter-school competitions to maximise youth participation. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting physical well-being, and utilising the region’s natural landscape to engage with the youth positively.

The Winter Games demonstrate that even the harshest climates can be leveraged for constructive and enjoyable activities.

The author is editor of Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst, and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.

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