Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday urged athletes to make the most of the competitive platform provided by the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, which begin in Leh on Tuesday, saying the event reflects the growing depth of India’s domestic sporting ecosystem.
More than 1,000 participants, including athletes, coaches and technical officials, will take part in the Ladakh leg of the Games, with competitions spread across the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, the Army rink and the frozen Gupukh’s Pond. A total of 472 athletes will compete in ice skating and ice hockey, with figure skating— an Olympic discipline— being introduced for the first time. Hosts Ladakh will aim to repeat last season’s success after topping the medal tally in the previous edition.
Calling the Winter Games an important step for Indian sport, Mandaviya said the Khelo India calendar has been institutionalised to provide consistent competitive exposure across formats. He noted that winter sports had traditionally seen limited opportunities in India, but sustained efforts had now enabled the country to host a national-level multi-sport winter event. The minister added that athletes would also be tested by challenging high-altitude conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen levels.
Ice hockey remains the flagship sport of the Ladakh leg, though figure skating has emerged as a key addition following India’s participation at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin last year. Senior national coach Mohammad Abbas Nordak said increased competition was vital for progress, citing India’s improving performances despite the absence of medals.
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have the largest athlete contingents among the 21 states and Union Territories taking part, with 17 gold medals on offer, including 15 in ice skating events.
