BuzzBytes GULMARG, FEBRUARY 23: The Khelo India winter games witnessed a day of thrilling competitions and outstanding performances as Karnataka took the lead in the overall medal tally with eight gold medals. Himachal Pradesh continued to shine in the Snowboard events, showcasing impressive performances.Under the sunny weather, scheduled events progressed smoothly, and participants showcased their skills in various snow sports disciplines. Nordic Skiing took place at the Golf Course, while Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and Snowboard events unfolded at Kangdoori.In the overall medal tally, including phases 01 of Ladakh and phase 2nd in Gulmarg, Karnataka led with eight gold and two silver medals, followed by Maharashtra with six gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals. The Indian Army secured the third position with a medal count of 4 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze.The Nordic Skiing event witnessed Padma Namgial of the Indian Army winning the gold medal in the men’s 15kms run category. Manjeet and Rameez Ahmad Padder secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively. The winners were felicitated by six-time Olympian Sheva Keshavan.In the Ski Mountaineering Relay, the Army bagged gold in the Men’s Category, while Himachal Pradesh secured gold in the Women’s Category. In Alpine Skiing Men’s Giant Slalom, Baqir Hussain of the Army won gold.In the Snowboard event, Kulvinder Sharma and Karan Singh of the Army secured gold and silver medals in the Men’s category, while Mehraj ud din Khan won bronze. In the Women’s category, Himachal Pradesh once again dominated, with Preeti Thakur, Pakarti Thakur, and Deepika Thakur winning Gold, Silver, and Bronze, respectively.The medal ceremony at the Golf Course saw the winners of yesterday’s events being felicitated by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik. The minister praised the achievements of the winners and expressed satisfaction over their performances.Athletes, appreciating the logistical support and facilities provided by the administration and various associations organizing the Khelo India Winter Games, credited their success to hard work and dedicated training. Bhavan from Karnataka, who is eyeing a third medal in the 10 KM event, expressed her aspiration to represent India in the next Olympic winter games.Rameez Padder, a Nordic skier from J&K, highlighted the importance of sports in keeping the youth away from drugs and encouraged youth to engage in sports activities. Padder, a consistent performer, expressed hope to represent the country at the international level. He emphasized the need for promoting sports and engaging youth in activities to harness their potential.