ITBP men’s and women’s teams lifted the 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026, which concluded with a grand closing ceremony on January 16 in Kargil.

The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from 10 men’s teams and five women’s teams, making it a major celebration of winter sports in the region. In the men’s final, ITBP defeated Ladakh Scouts 2–1 in a closely contested match, while in the women’s final, the ITBP Women’s Team defeated LWIHF 7–3 with a commanding performance.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, highlighted the immense potential of ice hockey and other winter sports in Ladakh. He said the region’s unique climate, geography, and resilient youth provide a natural advantage for Ladakh to emerge as a premier winter sports hub in the country.

The Lt Governor said that ice hockey in Ladakh is not merely a sport but an integral part of the region’s lifestyle and cultural identity, shaped by its harsh climate and challenging terrain. He lauded the determination, hard work, and perseverance of Ladakhi youth, noting that despite limited resources and difficult conditions, they have turned challenges into strength.

Highlighting the Government of India’s vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said sports are being promoted as a powerful medium for career development, youth empowerment, and nation-building. He said initiatives such as Khelo India have provided national platforms to talented youth from remote and border areas, including Ladakh.

The Lt Governor informed that Ladakh will host the 6th Khelo India Winter Games from January 20 at the international-standard Indoor Ice Hockey Rink in Leh. Constructed at a cost of around ₹51 crore, the facility is equipped with a fully automated chilling plant, modern spectator amenities, and provisions for year-round training and competitions, marking a historic milestone in Ladakh’s sports infrastructure.

He further stated that nearly 500 players from across the country will participate in the upcoming Winter Games, calling it a proud and historic moment for Ladakh. He emphasized the need to showcase Ladakh’s warm hospitality, vibrant sports culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, so that visiting players, coaches, and officials return as ambassadors of Ladakh.

Referring to the Ladakh Sports Policy 2025, the Lt Governor said the policy aims to strengthen sports development through systematic talent identification, equal opportunities for women and para-athletes, scholarships, incentives for outstanding players, robust sports infrastructure, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence. The objective, he said, is to enable Ladakhi athletes to bring laurels to the nation at national and international levels.

Addressing young athletes, the Lt Governor urged them to view sports not only as competition but also as a means to build discipline, confidence, and essential life skills. He assured full support from the Administration to take Ladakh’s sports ecosystem to the next level.

Congratulating the winning and runner-up teams, the Lt Governor commended all participating teams for their dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship. He said the tournament was competitive, thrilling, and inspiring, adding that the true spirit of sports lies not only in winning medals but in building character and team spirit.

The Lt Governor lauded the District Administration Kargil, Sports Department, organising committee, volunteers, security agencies, and local residents for the successful conduct of the championship and formally declared the 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026 closed. He later felicitated the winning ITBP men’s and women’s teams and presented the trophies.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, appreciated the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organising the tournament in a professional manner and requested the Lt Governor to consider continuing the CEC Ice Hockey Cup with budgetary support. He also stressed the need for administrative approval for the proposed multi-car parking project to improve infrastructure for major sporting events.

Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Moses Kunzang, emphasised the growing importance of the LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship and appreciated the support of the Curling Federation of India (CFI) in promoting winter sports in Ladakh.

As part of the programme, friendly demonstration matches of ice skating and ice curling were also organised, highlighting the expanding scope of winter sports in the region.

Among those present were Executive Councillors and Councillors of LAHDC Kargil; SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav; ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho; Director School Education Tsering Paldan; Joint Director YSS Tahir Hussain; and senior officials from the Sports Department and Curling Federation of India.