Leh (Ladakh), Jan 19 (NationPress) Over 1,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, and technical officials, are set to engage in the Ladakh segment of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, commencing in Leh on Tuesday, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled for the afternoon.

The Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, the Army rink, and the frozen Gupukh’s Pond will serve as focal points of activity until the Games conclude on January 26.

A total of 472 athletes will compete in two ice sports: skating and hockey. This year introduces the exciting addition of figure skating, an Olympic event. In last year’s Ladakh leg of KIWG, the host state topped the medal standings, securing four golds out of 13 available, while Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra claimed second and third places respectively.

The initial phase of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 is being organized by the Youth Services and Sports department of the Union Territory of Ladakh, under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India. National sports promotional bodies and federations overseeing ice sports are providing technical support for the event.

The KIWG 2026 marks the second event in the Khelo India calendar for this year, following the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) which took place in Diu from January 5-10. Athletes and their support teams will face the challenge of competing in high-altitude conditions, experiencing temperatures below freezing and low oxygen levels.

“Similar to the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, the Leh Games will test our athletes to push their limits in demanding situations. The altitude and oxygen levels are significant challenges that athletes and coaches must navigate, and the Winter Games will serve as a crucial benchmark for their preparations,” remarked Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

While ice hockey continues to be the highlight of KIWG Ladakh, figure skating’s inclusion is welcomed. In the Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, China last February, India participated with a record team of 23 ice skaters and a total of 59 athletes. Tara Prasad achieved the best figure skating result for India, finishing eighth overall, while Manjesh Tiwari placed 15th among male participants.

“Although we didn’t secure medals in Harbin, we demonstrated our ability to compete. Increased competition leads to more opportunities, making this edition of the Khelo India Winter Games a significant milestone,” said Mohammad Abbas Nordak, a senior national coach from Ladakh.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the introduction of figure skating is aimed at providing greater exposure and opportunities at the national level. “Khelo India serves as a pathway to excellence. Our skaters are making strides on the continental stage, and we encourage them to aspire for larger goals. All athletes participating in Khelo India events should seize the opportunities presented,” stated Dr. Mandaviya.

Haryana (62), Himachal Pradesh (55), and Ladakh (52) boast the largest athlete representation among the 21 states and UTs participating. A total of 17 gold medals will be contested in the KIWG 2026 Ladakh segment, with 15 of these dedicated to ice skating.