Leh (Ladakh), January 20: The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 got underway on Tuesday (January 20) with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, reinforcing
Ladakh's growing stature as a hub for winter sports in India.
The Leh leg-focused on ice sports such as skating and ice hockey-will conclude on January 26, while the snow events are scheduled to be held later this year in Gulmarg. This marks the third time the Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting the Khelo India Winter Games.
Games Declared Open; Cultural Showcase Lights Up Leh
The Games were officially declared open by the Hon'ble Kavinder Gupta, amid traditional music and dance performances and an exhibition ice hockey match between Army XI and UT Ladakh.
The first leg of KIWG 2026 is being organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India, with technical support from national federations overseeing ice sports.
Mandaviya Applauds Ladakh, Credits PM Modi's Vision
In a message congratulating the host UT, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya praised Ladakh for once again delivering a successful edition of the Games.
He said the organisation of KIWG in Ladakh demonstrates "with confidence and capability that India's winter sports future is being built from the Himalayas outward," and lauded the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi for placing sports infrastructure, grassroots development, and athlete pathways at the centre of national policy.
Dr Mandaviya further explained that the two-leg format-ice sports in Leh followed by snow events in Gulmarg-has been designed to provide sustained, high-quality competitive exposure aligned with international winter sports standards. He noted that such domestic continuity is crucial for India to build long-term credibility and competitiveness in winter Olympic disciplines.
Figure Skating Makes Its KIWG Debut
A key highlight of KIWG 2026 is the inclusion of figure skating in the ice skating programme for the first time. An Olympic discipline where Indian athletes have begun showing international progress, figure skating's debut adds technical depth and global relevance to the Games. Several of India's leading skaters are expected to compete in Leh.
Strong Participation Across Venues
Around 1,060 participants, including 480 athletes, are taking part in the Games, which are being staged across three venues:
- Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium
- Gupukh's Pond
- Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre rink
Senior dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, UT Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, and senior officials from the UT administration and SAI.
Ladakh's New Sports Policy: A Long-Term Push
Addressing the gathering, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta underlined how Ladakh has benefitted from PM Modi's vision for sports development. He highlighted the UT's first-ever Sports Policy, which focuses on:
- School-level talent identification
- Inclusive pathways for women and Divyang athletes
- Strengthening the Ladakh Sports Council
- 4% reservation in government jobs for outstanding sportspersons
- Scholarships, cash awards, and incentives for coaches
- Development of international-standard infrastructure and centres of excellence
- Integration of sports with education and promotion of sports tourism
Gupta said the policy will inspire Ladakh's youth and provide clear professional pathways in sport.
With packed venues, expanding disciplines, and strong institutional backing, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Leh signal India's steady march towards building a robust winter sports ecosystem.
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