KIWG 2026: Ladakh Suffer Heartbreak as ITBP Reclaim Women's Ice Hockey Gold; Nayana Sri Talluri Wins Second Skating Gold

Leh (Ladakh), Jan 25: Hosts Ladakh endured a night of mixed emotions at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium as the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) reclaimed the women's ice hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, edging out the defending champions 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the day, Telangana's Nayana Sri Talluri continued her golden run in ice skating, clinching her second individual gold of the Games.

In a pulsating women's ice hockey final - a repeat of last year's summit clash - regulation time ended 1-1 before ITBP struck decisively in extra time. India international Stanzin Dolkar, fondly known as Tani, scored within the opening seconds of overtime to stun the partisan Ladakhi crowd and seal the gold medal.

Ladakh had taken the lead in the 17th minute through Shamina Khatoon and looked on course to defend their title in a low-scoring, high-intensity contest. However, Dolkar produced a moment of brilliance in the third period to equalise before returning moments later to score the golden goal from a goalmouth scramble, swinging the title decisively in ITBP's favour.

Ladakh Men Salvage Bronze After Semifinal Setback

There was some consolation for the hosts as the Ladakh men's ice hockey team bounced back strongly to claim the bronze medal. After suffering a shock semifinal defeat to Chandigarh on Saturday, Ladakh responded with renewed purpose to beat ITBP 3-2 in the bronze medal match. The result underlined Ladakh's resilience, especially after they had earlier defeated ITBP 3-1 in the group stage.

Nayana Sri Talluri Shines Again for Telangana

On the short-course rink at NDS Stadium earlier in the day, Telangana's Nayana Sri Talluri stamped her authority in women's 1000m short track skating. The Calgary-based teenager paced her race smartly before accelerating midway to take control of the contest.

Ladakh's Skarma Tsultim, one of Nayana's chief challengers, crashed while attempting to increase speed, leaving the Telangana skater to fend off a late challenge from Maharashtra's Anvayee Deshpande. Nayana crossed the line in 1:43.32 seconds, narrowly ahead of Anvayee (1:43.43), while Schaleen Fernandes of Maharashtra claimed bronze.

Nayana became the third athlete at KIWG 2026 to secure two individual gold medals, joining Haryana's Sachin Singh and Ladakh's Skarma Tsultim, both of whom have golds in individual and relay events.

Maharashtra and Karnataka Open Gold Accounts

Maharashtra finally opened their gold medal tally through Ishaan Darvekar, who produced a strong finish to win the men's 1000m short track title in 1:35.57 seconds. It marked Ishaan's second medal of the Games after his silver in the 500m event. Telangana skaters finished second and third in the race.

Later in the afternoon, Karnataka celebrated their first gold of KIWG 2026 as 18-year-old Srivatsa S Rao delivered a standout performance in the men's 1000m long track event at Gupukh's Pond. Competing in improved weather conditions, Srivatsa clocked 1:36.64 seconds, finishing ahead of Tamil Nadu's Avikshith Vijay Viswanath and Selva Kumar M.

"I am very happy to win this gold medal. Some of my idols were participating in the race, and to finish ahead of them is a very special moment for me. I hope one day I can win an Olympic medal for my country," Srivatsa told SAI Media.

Medal Tally Update

With one day remaining, Haryana continue to lead the medal tally with four gold medals, followed by hosts Ladakh with two golds. Telangana are also on two golds but trail Ladakh on silver count. ITBP ensured they will not leave Leh empty-handed, courtesy of their women's ice hockey triumph.

Sunday's Results

Ice Skating - Finals

Men's 1000m Short Track:

• Ishaan Darvekar (Maharashtra) - 1:35.57
• Muthakani Vishnu Vardhan (Telangana) - 1:40.72
• D Shiva Manikan Prabha (Telangana) - 1:44.19

Women's 1000m Short Track:

• Nayana Sri Talluri (Telangana) - 1:43.32
• Anvayee Deshpande (Maharashtra) - 1:43.43
• Schaleen Fernandes (Maharashtra) - 1:46.41

Men's 1000m Long Track:

• Srivatsa S Rao (Karnataka) - 1:36.64
• Avikshith Vijay Viswanath (Tamil Nadu) - 1:37.73
• Selva Kumar M (Tamil Nadu) - 1:39.41

Ice Hockey

Men's Bronze Medal Match: Ladakh beat ITBP 3-2

Women's Final: ITBP beat Ladakh 2-1 (1-1 at full time)