Archive · 20 Jan 2026
6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 begins in Leh
The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 started in Leh, Ladakh.
Over 1,060 participants from 19 states are competing in ice hockey, speed skating, and figure skating.
The games are being held at the NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, Gupuk Pond, and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Rink.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the event, highlighting the importance of winter sports and the development of sports infrastructure in the region.
The games will continue until January 26, coinciding with Republic Day.
The Bombay High Court has criticized the selection process for ice hockey trials in Maharashtra, staying the team's selection due to the use of rough tiles instead of an ice rink.
The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 were inaugurated in Leh, Ladakh, by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta.
Over 1,060 participants from 19 states are competing in ice hockey, speed skating, and figure skating.
The games are being held at the NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, Gupuk Pond, and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Rink.
The Bombay High Court criticized the selection process for ice hockey trials in Maharashtra, staying the team's selection due to the use of rough tiles instead of an ice rink.
The games will conclude on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day, and aim to promote winter sports and develop sports infrastructure in Ladakh.
- Who
- Over 1,060 participants from 19 states, including athletes, technical officials, support staff, and volunteers, along with the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police
- What
- 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026
- When
- January 23-26, 2026
- Where
- Leh, Ladakh, India
- Why
- To promote and provide a platform for winter sports in India, with a focus on creating more competitive opportunities for athletes and nurturing young talent
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Bombay High Court
Selection Process for Ice Hockey Trials
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Conducted trials on rough tiles instead of an ice rink.
Bombay High Court
Criticized the process and stayed the team's selection, finding it shocking and inappropriate.
- Event
- 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026
- Location
- Leh, Ladakh, India
- Start Date
- January 23, 2026
- End Date
- January 26, 2026
- Number of Participants
- 1,060 (including athletes, officials, support staff, and volunteers)
- Main Venues
- NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, Gupuk Pond, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Rink
- Ice Disciplines
- Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Figure Skating
- Participating States/UTs
- 19
- Key Officials Present
- Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, GOC 14 Corps Lt General Hitesh Bhalla, DGP Mukesh Singh, and officials from the Sports Authority of India
Sources
Mandaviya hails Khelo India Winter Games as over 1,000 athletes set to compete in Leh
6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 inaugurated in Leh
Ice hockey trials held on rough tiles; ‘shocked’ HC stays Maharashtra’s Khelo India Winter Games selection
Sports minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya congratulates Ladakh for showing capability to host Khelo India Winter Games
Khelo India Winter Games-2026 inaugurated in Leh, Mandaviya emphasises long-term push for Winter Sports
