Leh (Ladakh), Jan 27 (NationPress) In their second year as hosts, the Union Territory of Ladakh emerged victorious in the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, with the first segment concluding at the NDS Stadium on Monday. As expected, the exciting men’s ice hockey finale saw the Indian Army narrowly defeat ITBP 2-1, successfully defending their KIWG title.

The second and final phase of KIWG 2025 is set to take place in Gulmarg, J&K from February 22-25.

Ladakh secured two out of the four gold medals awarded on Monday. Their mixed relay team, consisting of Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza, and Padma Angmo, finished first with a time of 3:02.19 seconds. Maharashtra and Telangana followed closely, taking silver and bronze with times of 3:03.78 seconds and 3:04.85 seconds, respectively.

Local fans had more reason to celebrate as the Ladakh women’s team triumphed over the favored ITBP, winning 4-0 to top the women’s round-robin league in front of a packed audience at the NDS Stadium. Women’s ice hockey was introduced only last year, and notably, Ladakh had previously lost to ITBP by a score of 4-0 in the finals. Himachal Pradesh secured the bronze medal.

“This is an incredible moment for our team. After last year’s loss to ITBP, we made a remarkable comeback. We are grateful to our coach and the Khelo India administration for organizing this event in Ladakh,” expressed Padma Chorol, a senior member of the UT Ladakh women’s ice hockey team.

Tamil Nadu showcased its growing reputation as a hub for aspiring skaters. In the final skating event on Monday, Yashashree clinched Tamil Nadu’s third gold of KIWG 2025 in the 500m women's long track at Gupuks, clocking in at 00:58.00 seconds. Riya Vilas Gayakwad from Maharashtra (1:04.31 secs) and Srija S. Rao from Karnataka (1:04.93 secs) took silver and bronze, respectively, in a nail-biting finish.

KIWG 2025 champions Ladakh finished with 7 medals, including 4 gold, followed by Tamil Nadu with 5 medals (3 gold). Maharashtra had the highest medal tally with 10, but only 2 gold medals placed them in third. Last year, Maharashtra topped KIWG 2024 with 20 skating medals, including 6 gold. Telangana (2 gold) and Karnataka (1 gold) finished fourth and fifth in KIWG 2025.

The Army maintained their ice hockey title, facing some tense moments. Supported by their enthusiastic fans from the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, who sang a popular Bollywood hit from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, the Army team was energized from the outset. This victory was particularly sweet after their earlier defeat to ITBP in a league match.

In the final, the first two periods ended in a stalemate, with all goals occurring in the last 15 minutes. It was an exhilarating match between two hardworking teams featuring numerous national-level players.

The Army took the lead early in the third period as Rigzin Norboo scored, assisted by national player Dorjay Angchok. However, ITBP equalized through an unmarked Rigzin Norboo in the 13th minute, assisted by Tashi Namgail. Angchok played a pivotal role again as Padma Norboo kept his composure to score the decisive goal for the Army with just one minute remaining.

Army coach Rinchen Tundup remarked to SAI Media: “Our team has been engaged in back-to-back matches, starting with the CEC Cup, then the LG Cup, and now Khelo India. Despite limited practice time, I’m thrilled with their performance. Winning all three Cups is a significant achievement. I also extend my gratitude to the ITBP team for their fierce competition in today’s final.”

DAY 5 RESULTS (Jan 27)

ICE HOCKEY

Men’s final at NDS: Indian Army defeated ITBP 2-1; Losing semi-finalists Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh secured bronze.

Women’s final round-robin league at NDS: Ladakh triumphed over ITBP 4-0 for gold; Himachal Pradesh took bronze.

ICE SKATING (all finals)

MIX relay (at NDS): 1. UT- Ladakh (Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza, Padma Angmo) 3:02.19 secs 2. Maharashtra (Ishan Darvekar, Vyom Sawant, Swaroopa Deshmukh, Anvayi Deshpande) 3:03.78 secs 3. Telangana (Pranav Madav, Vishnu, Nayana Sri, Geetika) 3:04.85 sec.

500m women long track (at Gupuks): 1. Yashashree (Tamil Nadu) 00:58.00 secs; 2. Riya Vilas Gayakwad (Maharashtra) 1:04.31 secs 3. Srija S Rao (Karnataka) 1:04.93 secs.