The Ladakh leg of the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games begins in Leh with more than 1,000 men and women, including athletes, coaches and technical officials, taking part. The competition will run until 26 January across key venues such as the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, the Army rink and the frozen Gupukh’s Pond. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Major Winter Sports Event
The Ladakh leg is the first phase of Khelo India Winter Games 2026. It is organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India. Technical support is being provided by national sports bodies and federations associated with ice sports.
Events and Medal Stakes
A total of 472 athletes will compete in two ice sports – skating and hockey. The introduction of figure skating is the new attraction this year and marks an Olympic discipline being added to the programme. In all, 17 gold medals are at stake, of which 15 are in ice skating.
Participation and Competitive Significance
Athletes from 21 states and Union Territories are participating. Haryana has the largest contingent with 62 athletes, followed by Himachal Pradesh with 55 and Ladakh with 52. The Games will test competitors in high-altitude conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen levels, making them an important platform for winter sports development in India.
Context in Khelo India Calendar
Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is the second event in the Khelo India calendar this year, after the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu from 5 to 10 January. The fixed annual calendar is intended to expand competitive opportunities across multiple sporting formats and strengthen India’s domestic sports ecosystem.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026