Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Begins in Leh

The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games has begun in Leh, Ladakh, with Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurating the event. Athletes from 21 States and Union Territories are participating in ice sports such as hockey and skating. The opening ceremony was held today at NDS Stadium in Leh, according to an Akashvani report.

The Winter Games will take place from January 20 to 26 and will feature several winter sports disciplines, bringing together athletes from across the country. During the inaugural ceremony, local cultural troupes performed on the ice rink, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Ladakh.

This year, figure skating, an Olympic sport, has been introduced to the Games, alongside existing events like speed skating and short-track skating. The Khelo India Winter Games have been organised under the Khelo India Scheme since 2020, and Ladakh has been hosting the event ever since. The Games aim to promote winter sports and provide a platform for young athletes to compete at the national level.