LEH, LADAKH — JANUARY 13, 2026 — The Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, has successfully concluded the state-level selection trials for the upcoming Khelo India Winter Games 2026. The final phase of ice hockey trials for both men’s and women’s categories took place today at the NDS Ice Hockey Stadium in Leh, following earlier trials held in Kargil on January 11.
These trials are a critical step in finalizing the contingent that will represent UT Ladakh in one of India’s most prestigious winter sports properties, which is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).Scheduled to run from January 20 to January 26, 2026, the games will transform Leh into a hub of high-altitude sports.
Competitions will be spread across iconic locations, including the Ladakh Scouts Ice Rink, the ITBP Ice Rink, and the natural expanse of Gupuks Pond. While traditional favorites like ice hockey and speed skating (short-track and long-track) remain core highlights, the 2026 edition marks a significant milestone with the official introduction of figure skating as a competitive event for the first time in the Leh leg of the games.
The hosting of the Khelo India Winter Games since 2024 has solidified Ladakh’s position as a premier destination for winter athletics in India. By integrating modern infrastructure with natural ice rinks, the UT Administration aims to provide a world-class platform for local and national talent. With the selection process now complete, the focus shifts to the final preparations for the opening ceremony, as the region prepares to welcome athletes from across the country for a week of intense competition and cultural exchange.
