Khelo India Winter Games 2026: Ladakh Women Set Up Ice-Hockey Final vs ITBP; Snowfall Disrupts Long-Track Schedule

Add as a preferred source on Google

Leh (Ladakh), Jan 23: Hosts Ladakh and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) women booked their places in the ice-hockey final of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 with emphatic semifinal victories on Friday (January 23). The summit clash will be a repeat of the 2025 women's final, underlining the growing rivalry between the two sides in India's newest winter-sport showpiece.

The day's action unfolded amid fresh snowfall-the first in weeks in the Union Territory-which had a direct bearing on long-track speed skating at Gupukh's Pond. Poor visibility and the deteriorating condition of the 333-metre course disrupted the women's 1000m final midway, while the men's 1000m final was abandoned before it could begin.

Women's Semifinals: One-Sided Wins at NDS Stadium

At the snow-sheltered Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium, the new roof ensured uninterrupted hockey action. Ladakh women delivered a commanding 14-0 win over Himachal Pradesh, while ITBP brushed aside Chandigarh 10-1 to set up Saturday's final.

Ladakh's attack was led by a hat-trick from Tsewang Chuskit, with Padma Chorol, Rinchen Dolma, Padma Desal, Samina Khatoon and Rigzin Yangdol adding two goals apiece to complete a ruthless performance.

Reflecting on the team's momentum, Ladakh skipper Rigzin Yangdol said the blend of experience and youth has been key.

"We have won all four matches so far in KIWG 2026. Even though I am the captain, seniors guide us on the ice and in the locker room. The younger girls are also scoring goals. Our coach's strategy worked today, and the UT Administration's support-along with trials held in Leh and Kargil-has been tremendous. We're excited for the final and hope to lift the cup again."

In the second semifinal, Dechen Dolker struck a hat-trick for ITBP, supported by braces from Tashi Dolker and Sharap Yangset. Chandigarh's Gunika Kaur Bhatti earned a loud cheer for a consolation goal.

ITBP captain Tashi Dolker pointed to improved preparation compared to last season. "Last year we were underprepared. This year is different-we're more ready and I believe in my team. We've faced Ladakh often, and recently beat their LWIHF side 7-3 at the LG Cup. We've carried that spirit into KIWG and hope to deliver in the final."

Women's ice hockey debuted at KIWG in 2024, and the repeat final in 2026 highlights the rapid rise in standards and competitiveness.

Men's Ice Hockey: Army March On

In the men's competition, defending champions Indian Army sealed a semifinal berth from Group A with an 11-0 rout of Jammu & Kashmir at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre rink. Army will face ITBP-the second-placed team from Group B-in Saturday's semifinal. Hosts Ladakh currently top Group B, with both men's semifinals scheduled for Saturday.

Friday's Results

Ice Hockey

Women's Semifinals: Ladakh beat Himachal Pradesh 14-0; ITBP beat Chandigarh 10-1.

Men (Group A): Army beat Jammu & Kashmir 11-0.