The Sixth Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 began on 20 January 2026 at NDS Stadium, Leh, inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta. The event marks another milestone in Ladakh’s rise as a premier winter sports hub.
A total of 21 States and Union Territories are participating, with 1,000 participants, including 472 athletes, competing in ice sports such as ice hockey and skating. The games are being held across three venues in Leh: NDS Stadium, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, and Gupuk Pond.
The opening ceremony showcased Ladakh’s cultural heritage, with performances by local artists. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated Ladakh for successfully hosting the event, which also saw the presence of senior civil and police officials.
For the first time, Figure Skating, an Olympic sport, has been introduced at the Winter Games.
