Leh (Ladakh), Jan 21 (NationPress) The inaugural gold medal of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 was awarded at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh, Ladakh, on Wednesday. Out of the four golds contested, all in figure skating, Haryana secured two gold medals, while both Uttarakhand and Kerala claimed one each. Haryana leads the overall medal tally with a total of five medals, comprising one silver and two bronze.

Figure skating made its much-anticipated debut in the Ladakh leg of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026. This Olympic event, celebrated for its elegance and artistry, saw 20 figure skaters from five states and two Union Territories compete in two categories: novice free skating and advanced short program. Hiya Adlakha from Haryana won the first gold medal, while Stanzin Khando and Tenzin Kunzin from Ladakh earned silver and bronze, respectively.

At just 15 years old, Hiya has grown up in a family that values sports. With her mother serving as an international gymnastics judge, Hiya chose the challenging and often solitary path of figure skating.

Training predominantly on her own due to limited coaching opportunities, Hiya was selected for an Olympic Council of Asia training camp in China and clinched a national gold medal in 2025. Competing globally in the Intermediate Novice category, she tirelessly pursues her dream of representing India at the World Cups and the Olympics.

The judging criteria for performances included composition, presentation, and skating skills, evaluated by a referee and a technical controller from Taipei.

The Khelo India Winter Games are organized by the Youth Services and Sports department of Ladakh in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, with technical oversight provided by the National Sports Federations.

In the novice boys' category, Adarsh Singh Rawat took home the gold, while the advanced boys and girls’ performances generated much anticipation. Haryana’s Gauri Rai, clad in a striking turquoise blue outfit, won the gold medal. However, Kerala’s Abhijith Amal Raj stood out with superior quality across all judged aspects. There were nine competitors in the advanced boys' category.

Gauri, a class XII student at Manav Rachna International School in Gurugram, demonstrated considerable prowess at the NDS Stadium in Leh. She boasts 10 national medals and has proudly represented India.

“This gold medal represents more than just a victory for me; it is a testament to years of discipline, early mornings, falls on ice, and unwavering determination. Every competition enriches my experience, and this triumph inspires me to strive even harder for my country,” she expressed to SAI Media.

“When I’m on the ice, I feel both fearless and liberated. I aspire to represent India on the largest global stages and motivate young girls to believe that with commitment, even the iciest surfaces can fulfill their dreams.”

To aspiring figure skaters, Gauri advised: “Trust in yourself, respect your coaches and parents, and maintain focus. Success is the result of patience, consistency, and honest hard work.”

Ice hockey, a beloved sport in Ladakh, attracted enthusiastic and vocal crowds. The men’s group B match between Ladakh and ITBP was a nail-biter, with hosts Ladakh securing a 3-1 victory in a contest characterized by physical play. Stanzin Angchol opened the scoring just one minute in, putting Ladakh ahead as the match turned into a showcase of speed, skill, and strength.

In the 10th minute of the second period, ITBP leveled the score through Nawang Zangpo, even while being a player down, injecting renewed energy into the police team.

The final period was fiercely contested, with both goals facing relentless attacks. However, Ladakh emerged as convincing winners, thanks to two goals from Tsering Angchuk in the third period.