Leh, January 20, 2026: The 6th Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 was formally inaugurated today at the NDS Stadium Ice Hockey Rink in Leh, marking another significant milestone in Ladakh’s emergence as a premier winter sports destination.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Shri Kavindra Gupta, officially inaugurated the Games and extended his best wishes to all participating athletes. He encouraged them to perform with dedication and sportsmanship while enjoying the unique winter sporting experience that Ladakh offers.
On the occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (H’CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, extended warm New Year greetings to all dignitaries, officials, athletes, and spectators present at the event. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, for bringing the prestigious Khelo India Winter Games to Ladakh.
Dr. Akhoon stated that hosting the Games in Ladakh is a testament to the region’s growing recognition as an international-level winter sports hub. He highlighted the deep-rooted popularity of ice hockey across Ladakh, noting the enthusiasm of young athletes in the sport. He further emphasized the need to strengthen winter sports infrastructure, particularly in remote areas like Zanskar, so that talented children from far-flung regions can also access training facilities and opportunities to showcase their skills.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, informed that three well-planned venues have been identified to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the Games. He added that the infrastructural initiatives undertaken for the event would leave a lasting legacy, ensuring sustainable and high-quality sports facilities for future sporting events in Ladakh.
Administrative Secretary (Youth Services & Sports), Shri Moses Kunzang, JKAS, delivered the welcome address, warmly greeting all dignitaries and athletes who have arrived in Leh to participate in the Games. He underscored the significance of the event in promoting sports culture in Ladakh and wished all participants a successful and memorable sporting experience.
As part of the opening ceremony, an exhibition ice hockey match was played between the UT Ladakh team and the Indian Army, which added excitement and energy to the inaugural proceedings.
A cultural program and a performance by the Ladakh Scout band were also presented during the ceremony.
DGP Ladakh, Administrative Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Departments (HoDs), players, and a large number of sports enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.
