The Sixth Edition of Khelo India Winter Games Kicks Off in Leh
The Khelo India Winter Games, now in its sixth edition, commenced at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh on January 20. This year’s Ladakh phase of the Games will feature ice sports such as skating and hockey, with the event set to conclude on January 26. It is the third time that the Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting the Khelo India Winter Games, showcasing its commitment to promoting winter sports in the region. The snow leg of the Games is scheduled to take place in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir later in the year.
The opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 was a vibrant affair, filled with traditional music and dance performances. The event also featured an exhibition ice hockey match between Army XI and UT Ladakh, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, officially declared the Games open, emphasizing the importance of sports in the region.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister for Youth Affairs & Affairs, congratulated Ladakh on successfully hosting the Khelo India Winter Games once again. He praised the region for showcasing its capabilities in organizing such a prestigious event and highlighted the significance of winter sports in India’s sporting landscape.
Speaking about the structure of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, Dr Mandaviya mentioned that the competition is designed as a two-leg event, with ice sports in Leh followed by snow events in Gulmarg. This format aims to provide athletes with diverse terrains and conditions to enhance their skills and competitiveness in winter Olympic disciplines.
During his speech, Gupta lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for promoting sports in India and how Ladakh has benefitted from this initiative. He emphasized the role of the Khelo India program in empowering youth, promoting physical fitness, and fostering sporting excellence across the country.
With over a thousand participants, including 480 athletes, expected to participate in KIWG 2026, the Games will be held across three venues in Ladakh. Figure skating, an Olympic sport in which Indian athletes are making significant progress on the international stage, will debut at this edition of the Games, showcasing the talent and potential of Indian skaters.
The opening ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, the Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, and senior officials from the UT administration and the Sports Authority of India, underscoring the importance of the event.
Gupta highlighted Ladakh’s recent strides in sports development, including the introduction of the region’s first-ever Sports Policy. This policy focuses on talent identification, creating an inclusive sports ecosystem, providing opportunities for women and Divyang athletes, and enhancing sports infrastructure to nurture budding talent in Ladakh.
Overall, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 promises to be a thrilling and competitive event, showcasing the growing interest and talent in winter sports in India. With a focus on excellence, inclusivity, and long-term development, the Games are set to elevate the status of winter sports in the country and provide a platform for athletes to shine on the national and international stage.
