Did the Army Men and Ladakh Women Dominate the KIWG 2026 Ice Hockey Competition?
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Synopsis
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 kicked off in Leh, with Ladakh women and Army men showcasing their prowess in ice hockey. The event promises thrilling matches as teams compete for glory in this prestigious tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Ladakh women and Army men opened the KIWG 2026 with emphatic wins.
- ITBP and Himachal Pradesh also secured victories in their matches.
- The event is hosted in Leh, Ladakh, and features various ice sports.
- Highlights include a vibrant opening ceremony and exhibition matches.
- The tournament aims to promote winter sports in India.
Leh (Ladakh), Jan 20 (NationPress) The defending champions, Ladakh women and Army men, kicked off the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 ice hockey competition in Leh, Ladakh, with impressive victories on Tuesday. Other notable teams, such as ITBP and Himachal Pradesh, also celebrated wins in their respective matches.
The sixth edition of the KIWG commenced at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh on Tuesday. The Ladakh segment of the winter Games, featuring ice sports like skating and hockey, will wrap up on January 26. This marks the third occasion that the Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting the KIWG. The snow leg of the KIWG is set to occur in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, later this year.
During a vibrant opening ceremony filled with traditional music and dance, an exhibition ice hockey match between Army and Ladakh men took place, officially inaugurating the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, led by the Hon’ble Lt Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta.
The initial phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is being organized by the Youth Services and Sports department of the Union Territory of Ladakh, with oversight from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). National sports promotional bodies managing ice sports will provide the necessary technical expertise for the Games.
Day 1 began energetically with two women's hockey matches at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. In a Group B match, ITBP, last year’s runners-up, overwhelmed Rajasthan 6-0, while the Ladakh girls triumphed over Telangana with a stunning 19-1 scoreline. Padma Desal netted five goals, and Padma Chorol added three more for the local team.
The men’s competition kicked off at the NDS Stadium post-opening ceremony. The defending champions, Army, decisively defeated Himachal Pradesh 5-1 in a Group A contest. The Army team showcased their strength with five different players scoring. ITBP men made their intentions clear in Group B by scoring an astonishing 16 goals without a single reply from Rajasthan. Stanzin Mingure scored thrice, while Tashi Tundup added two goals.
ICE-HOCKEY RESULTS:
Women:
(Gr B) ITBP defeated Rajasthan 6-0; Himachal Pradesh bested Haryana 2-1
(Gr A) Ladakh triumphed over Telangana 19-1
Men:
(Gr A) Army outplayed Himachal Pradesh 5-1
(Gr B) ITBP crushed Rajasthan 16-0.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of the Khelo India Winter Games in fostering sportsmanship and unity. The performances of Ladakh women and Army men not only reflect their dedication but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports. It’s crucial to support such events that promote regional talent on a national platform.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Khelo India Winter Games?
Khelo India Winter Games are a national-level sports event aimed at promoting winter sports in India, featuring competitions in ice hockey, skating, and other snow sports.
Where are the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 being held?
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 are being held in Leh, Ladakh, with the snow leg scheduled for Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, later this year.
Which teams performed well in the opening matches?
In the opening matches, Ladakh women and Army men secured significant victories, alongside wins from ITBP and Himachal Pradesh.
What is the significance of this event for Ladakh?
Hosting the Khelo India Winter Games is vital for Ladakh as it showcases local talent, promotes tourism, and encourages youth participation in sports.
How can I follow the Khelo India Winter Games 2026?
You can follow the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 through various sports news channels, official Khelo India social media pages, and live updates on sports websites.
