KIWG 2025: Telangana Tops Medal Standings; ITBP Defeats Army in Ice Hockey
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Synopsis
Pranav Madav Surapaneni from Telangana won a gold medal in ice skating at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025. Meanwhile, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police triumphed over the Indian Army in an exciting ice hockey match, showcasing remarkable performances in both sports.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana leads the medal tally at KIWG 2025.
- Pranav Madav Surapaneni wins gold in men's 500m short track skating.
- ITBP defeats the defending champions, the Indian Army, in ice hockey.
- Competitive atmosphere at NDS sports complex.
- Future ambitions of young athletes include Olympic aspirations.
Leh (Ladakh), Jan 25 (NationPress) Pranav Madav Surapaneni secured Telangana's second gold medal at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 by winning the ice-skating event. However, all eyes were on the thrilling ice-hockey match featuring the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
With 10 minutes remaining, Stanzin Mingure netted two quick goals, leading ITBP to a stunning 3-1 victory. The Army's defense faltered during the final period of this intense rivalry in Indian sports.
The NDS sports complex, which holds 5000 spectators, was packed for this significant match. As always, numerous Armymen in their olive green uniforms came out to support their team. Mohammed Ismail struck first for ITBP in the match's second minute, which quickly turned physical. Tsewang Dorjey equalized for the Army with a brilliant flick early in the second period, but the defending champions ultimately lost control in the third period, marking their first defeat in the Khelo India Winter Games 2025.
“Our strategy was executed flawlessly, bringing us closer to today’s victory. I am thrilled to have contributed a goal. The organization of the Khelo India Winter Games is exemplary, fostering an environment that enhances our performance,” commented ITBP’s center-forward Ismail.
Following Nayana Sri Talluri's win on Friday, Pranav Madav Surapaneni clinched Telangana’s second gold in the men’s 500m short track skating at NDS. Maharashtra and the host, Ladakh, also earned their first skating gold medals on Saturday, but Telangana continues to lead the medal count. Ishaan Darvekar earned Maharashtra’s first gold in the 1000m short track event with a time of 2:02.33, finishing ahead of teammates Vyom Sawant (2:04.90) and Tiluck Keisam of Delhi (2:10.78).
As Day 3 of the KIWG concludes, Maharashtra holds third place with five skating medals (one gold, one silver, three bronze), while Karnataka is in second with three medals (one gold, two silvers), all from ice skating.
Young Surapaneni clocked 56.86 seconds to win gold in the 500m short track at the NDS complex. It was a highly competitive race, with the second (Samrudh SD of Karnataka) and third (Sumit Tapkir of Maharashtra) place finishers separated by mere microseconds.
“I feel like a bamboo tree, steadily growing and reaching new heights. I now possess all three medals: bronze in 2023, silver in 2024, and gold today, which fills me with pride. The natural ice rink has bumps, and the high altitude presents challenges requiring me to focus on breathing and pushing through,” said the 15-year-old. “My ultimate aim is the Olympics, but before that, I have the world tour, world championships, and junior world championships ahead. It’s a long journey,” Surapaneni added.
Hosts Ladakh celebrated a successful day at Gupuks Pond with Shabana Zara (2:09.69) and Tasniya Shamim (2:13.95) achieving a one-two finish in the women’s 1000-meter track.
For 14-year-old Shabana, this was her first gold win at the Khelo India Winter Games, despite competing last year too. Tasniya also had a successful outing last year, winning multiple medals across various categories.
