Srinagar, Feb. 28 -- The snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turned into a proving ground for India's emerging winter athletes as the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), held from February 23 to 26, showcased a changing face of winter sport in the country - one no longer confined to the Himalayas.

Alongside competitors from traditional strongholds of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, athletes from tropical and non-snow regions stood on the podium, signalling a widening talent pool and a structured pathway toward international competition.

Seventeen-year-old Jiah Aryan from Bengaluru became one of the standout performers, winning bronze medals in both Slalom and Giant Slalom alpine skiing. Trained initially at th...