Leh, January 20, 2026: The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) commenced in Leh today. The Games were inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Leh Sh Kavinder Gupta at the state-of-the-art NDS Ice Hockey Stadium here.
KIWG 2026 will see competition between 19 states and union territories of India, with participation of over 1,000 people including athletes, support staff, technical officers and volunteers.
In a message to the organizers and participants of the Games, Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya termed the Games as one that will put the grit and determination of the athletes to the ultimate test in a challenging place like Ladakh.
The Minister said that “the high-altitude and the oxygen factor are serious issues that athletes and coaches deal with and the Winter Games will be a good yardstick to measure how well they have prepared.”
The competitions during the Games will be held at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, the Army rink and the frozen Gupukh’s Pond. The Games will culminate with the celebration of Republic Day on January 26.
The Winter Games of 2026 will see the introduction of figure skating, which is an important upgrade since the discipline is now an Olympic Event.
During the inaugural ceremony of the Games, the participating teams’ colourful parade drew loud cheers from the crowd. A video on Khelo India Winter Games was also screened on the occasion. An exhibition ice hockey match between UT Ladakh and Army was also during the ceremony.
Earlier while delivering his address Sh Gupta said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a transformative shift in its sports ecosystem. He noted that the Khelo India initiative has placed youth empowerment, fitness and sporting excellence at the centre of national priorities. He added that the inclusion of winter sports in the national sports framework and the organisation of international-level events in remote and high-altitude regions like Ladakh reflect the Prime Minister’s inclusive and forward-looking vision.
Further, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for entrusting Ladakh with the hosting of the prestigious Games and for their continued support. He also appreciated the efforts of the Ladakh Administration, armed forces, volunteers and all stakeholders involved in the successful conduct of the event.
Among other dignitaries present at the opening ceremony were Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Secretary Ladakh Shri Ashish Kundra, Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Ladakh, Shri Moses Kunzang and Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk. Other senior officials from Sports Authority of India, Ice Hockey Federation of India, Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, Indian Army and UT Administration Ladakh were also present on the occasion.
