Khelo India Winter Games 2026: Army Men, Ladakh Women Make Emphatic Start as Ice Hockey Gets Underway

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Leh (Ladakh), Jan 20: Defending champions Ladakh women and Army men began their campaigns in commanding fashion as the ice-hockey competition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 got underway on Tuesday (January 20).

Strong wins by ITBP and Himachal Pradesh further highlighted an action-packed opening day in the Ladakh leg of the Games.

The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was officially inaugurated at the iconic Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, marking the start of the ice-sports phase that will run until January 26. This is the third time the Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting the Winter Games. The snow-sports leg of the competition will take place later this year in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir.

Colourful Opening Ceremony Sets the Tone

The Games were declared open by the Hon'ble Lt Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, during a vibrant opening ceremony featuring traditional music, dance, and an exhibition ice-hockey match between Army and Ladakh men. The Ladakh phase of KIWG 2026 is being organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department of the Union Territory under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India, with technical support from national ice-sports federations.

Ladakh Women Dominate, ITBP Register Big Win

Day 1 action kicked off with women's ice-hockey matches at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. In a Group B encounter, last year's runners-up ITBP thrashed Rajasthan 6-0, showcasing disciplined defence and swift counter-attacks.

However, the most emphatic result of the day came in Group A, where defending champions Ladakh crushed Telangana 19-1. Padma Desal starred with five goals, while Padma Chorol added a fine hat-trick, underlining the hosts' overwhelming superiority.

Army, ITBP Shine in Men's Matches

Men's ice-hockey action commenced at the NDS Stadium after the opening ceremony. Defending champions Army opened their title defence with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Himachal Pradesh in Group A. Five different scorers found the net for the Army team, reflecting their all-round depth and cohesion.

In Group B, ITBP men delivered a statement performance, hammering Rajasthan 16-0. Stanzin Mingure led the charge with a hat-trick, while Tashi Tundup chipped in with two goals as ITBP underlined their medal ambitions early in the tournament.

Today's Ice-Hockey Results

Women

• Group B: ITBP beat Rajasthan 6-0
• Group B: Himachal Pradesh beat Haryana 2-1
• Group A: Ladakh beat Telangana 19-1

Men

• Group A: Army beat Himachal Pradesh 5-1
• Group B: ITBP beat Rajasthan 16-0

With dominant performances from traditional powerhouses and hosts Ladakh setting the early pace, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 promise a thrilling week of ice-sports action in the high-altitude conditions of Leh.