Jan 20: The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 officially kicked off today in Leh, Ladakh, marking a major milestone in India’s growing winter sports ecosystem. With the participation of over 1,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country, the six-day sporting extravaganza will run until January 26, showcasing India’s expanding footprint in snow and ice sports.
Organised under the flagship Khelo India programme, the Winter Games aim to promote sporting excellence while nurturing talent from high-altitude and snow-bound regions. Leh, with its challenging terrain and extreme climatic conditions, provides a unique and fitting backdrop for winter sports, reinforcing Ladakh’s emergence as a hub for adventure and competitive winter athletics.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is the debut of figure skating, adding a new dimension to the Games and reflecting India’s ambition to diversify and modernise its winter sports portfolio. The inclusion of figure skating is expected to inspire young athletes and broaden the appeal of winter sports among spectators and aspiring players nationwide.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 will be conducted in two phases. While the first leg is being hosted in Leh, the second leg of the Games will take place at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, one of India’s premier winter sports destinations known for its world-class slopes and natural snow conditions. This dual-host model underlines the Government’s commitment to leveraging regional strengths to develop sports infrastructure and talent.
Officials associated with the Games emphasised that Khelo India Winter Games play a crucial role in identifying grassroots talent, especially from Himalayan regions, and providing athletes with exposure to high-level competition. The event also contributes to local economies by boosting tourism, hospitality, and employment opportunities during the winter season.
The Games align with the broader vision of promoting sports as a tool for youth empowerment, national integration, and healthy lifestyles. With increased participation, new disciplines, and growing public interest, the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 are set to further strengthen India’s winter sports culture and pave the way for international competitiveness in the years ahead.
