The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 commenced at the state-of-the-art NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, Leh, marking another milestone in Ladakh’s emergence as India’s premier destination for winter sports.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta said that hosting the Khelo India Winter Games for the third consecutive year reflects the nation’s confidence in Ladakh’s capability, commitment, and preparedness to organise major sporting events under challenging high-altitude conditions. He said the Games are playing a vital role in promoting winter sports, nurturing young talent, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem in the region.

The Games will be held over seven days and conclude on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. Teams from 19 States, comprising 1,060 participants, including athletes, technical officials, support staff, and volunteers, along with teams from the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are participating. Competitions include Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, and for the first time, Figure Skating.

Highlighting the inclusion of Figure Skating, the Lt Governor termed it a significant step in the evolution of winter sports in India. He added that plans are underway to include additional disciplines such as Curling in future editions to further expand the scope of winter sports.

Emphasising the importance of world-class infrastructure, the Lt Governor said that key venues, including the NDS Ice Hockey Rink, Gupuk Pond, and Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Rink, have been fully prepared for the Games. He described the 24x7 Ice Hockey Rink at NDS Stadium, built at a cost of ₹53.58 crore, as a landmark achievement and informed that the construction of a similar modern facility in Kargil is progressing.
“Where ice hockey and skating were once limited to two to three winter months, athletes can now practice year-round, significantly enhancing their skills and performance,” he said.

Kavinder Gupta also highlighted Ladakh’s newly launched comprehensive Sports Policy, which aims to position the Union Territory as a winter sports powerhouse. The policy focuses on talent identification at the school level, inclusivity for women and differently-abled athletes, 4% job reservation for outstanding sportspersons, guaranteed scholarships, cash awards up to ₹100 crore, centres of excellence, advanced training facilities, coach incentives, integration of sports with education, and promotion of sports tourism.

The Lt Governor underscored the strong link between sports and tourism, citing successful events such as the Climate Cup Football Tournament, Ladakh Marathon, and the Khelo India Winter Games. “These mega events generate employment, showcase Ladakh globally, and inspire youth to pursue winter sports professionally,” he said.

Referring to the broader national sports ecosystem, the Lt Governor said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformative shift in sports development. He noted that the Khelo India initiative has placed youth empowerment, fitness, and sporting excellence at the forefront of national priorities, and that hosting international-level events in high-altitude regions like Ladakh reflects the Prime Minister’s inclusive and forward-looking vision.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for entrusting Ladakh with hosting the prestigious Games and appreciated the efforts of the Ladakh Administration, armed forces, volunteers, and all stakeholders involved.

Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, thanked the Government of India and the UT Administration for promoting winter sports and providing local youth a national platform. He emphasised grooming national-level players through the Games and expressed hope for the early operationalisation of the ice hockey stadium in Kargil. He also highlighted the winter sports potential of Suru Valley and Drass.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra congratulated the people of Ladakh on hosting the Games for the third consecutive year and expressed hope that participants were experiencing Ladakh’s hospitality despite the harsh weather. He confirmed the readiness of the world-class 24x7 NDS Ice Hockey Stadium and anticipated the early completion of a similar facility in Kargil. He noted that Ladakhi youth form the backbone of national ice hockey teams and expressed confidence that they could one day qualify for the Winter Olympics.

Welcoming the guests, Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Moses Kunzang, highlighted the meticulous arrangements made despite logistical challenges. He also informed about health advisories issued to participants and measures taken to ensure environmentally sustainable organisation of the Games.

Earlier, a colourful parade by participating teams drew loud cheers from the audience. Highlights of the opening ceremony included a musical performance by the Ladakh Scouts’ Pipe Band, vibrant cultural dance performances, and screening of a video on the Khelo India Winter Games. An ice hockey exhibition match between UT Ladakh and the Indian Army was also played, while ice skaters from UT Ladakh showcased their skills.

Among those present were First Lady Bindu Gupta, DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh, GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, officials from the Sports Authority of India, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Tahir Hussain, representatives of the Ice Hockey Federation of India and Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, along with senior officials of the UT Administration and Indian Army.