LEH, LADAKH β The high-altitude terrain of Leh is set to transform into a competitive arena as the first leg of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 officially kicks off today, Tuesday. This sixth edition of the national-level multi-sport event marks a significant milestone in Indiaβs winter sports journey, bringing together over 1,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, and technical officials.
The event is being organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). With the opening ceremony scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, the atmosphere in Leh is one of immense excitement despite the bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures.
Venues and Key Sporting Events
The Ladakh leg of the games will focus on premier ice sports, distributed across three primary venues:
NDS Ice Hockey Stadium: Hosting the high-octane ice hockey matches.
Army Rink (LSRC): Serving as a key facility for hockey and training.
Gupukhβs Frozen Pond: The natural ice surface designated for skating events.
A total of 472 athletes from 21 states and Union Territories will compete for glory. While ice hockey remains the flagship attraction of the Ladakh leg, this year introduces a historic addition: Figure Skating. As an Olympic discipline, the inclusion of figure skating in the KIWG roster is intended to provide national-level exposure to Indian skaters who have recently shown promise at continental championships.
Pushing Limits in Extreme Conditions
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the unique challenge this venue poses. Athletes will be tested not just by their opponents, but by the thin air and low oxygen levels of Lehβs high altitude.
The Minister noted that the governmentβs sustained efforts have successfully institutionalized the Khelo India calendar, ensuring that winter sports are no longer a niche interest but a core part of Indiaβs domestic sporting ecosystem. Following the recently concluded Beach Games in Diu, the Winter Games provide a starkly different yet equally vital platform for athletic excellence.
Medals and Participation
A total of 17 gold medals are at stake during the Ladakh leg, which concludes on January 26. Out of these, 15 medals are reserved for various ice skating disciplines.
The host region, Ladakh, enters the competition with high expectations after topping the medal tally in the previous edition. However, they face stiff competition from strong contingents representing Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, which have sent 62 and 55 athletes respectively.
As the flame is lit today in Leh, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 stands as a testament to India’s growing ambition in the global winter sports landscape.
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