The Khelo India Winter Games 2026, hosted in the breathtaking high-altitude terrain of Leh, Ladakh, have brought together top athletes from across India for intense winter sports competitions. Among the highlights is the ice hockey tournament at the NDS Stadium, where teams have delivered edge-of-the-seat matches filled with skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Broadcast live by Doordarshan Sports, these games showcase the growing popularity of ice hockey in India, especially in regions like Ladakh where the sport has deep roots.
Women’s Ice Hockey: Powerhouse Performances Leading to an Epic Final
The women’s category has been dominated by strong showings from Ladakh and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), setting up a highly anticipated final. In the semifinals, Ladakh crushed Himachal Pradesh with a resounding 14-0 victory, demonstrating flawless teamwork and offensive prowess. Meanwhile, ITBP outclassed Chandigarh 10-1, securing their spot with dominant play.
Earlier group stage matches saw impressive results as well. In Group A, Ladakh defeated Chandigarh 5-0. In Group B, ITBP routed Haryana 7-0 and Himachal Pradesh edged out Rajasthan 2-0, while Chandigarh overcame Telangana 3-1. The opening match featured ITBP’s convincing 6-0 win over Rajasthan. This final is a rematch of the 2025 edition, where Ladakh emerged victorious, adding extra spice to the clash.
Men’s Ice Hockey: Army Dominates with Unbeaten Streak
On the men’s side, the Army team has been unstoppable in Group A. They started strong with a 10-1 thrashing of Chandigarh, followed by an 11-0 demolition of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh also made waves in the group league, defeating ITBP 3-1 in a thrilling encounter.
These matches highlight the Army’s defensive solidity and scoring depth, positioning them as favorites to advance further. The tournament structure, combining league and knockout formats, has kept the competition fierce.
The Bigger Picture: Boosting Winter Sports in India
The Khelo India Winter Games, running from January 20 to 26, 2026, across Leh and Gulmarg, aim to nurture talent in winter sports like ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating. With snowfall occasionally disrupting schedules, such as in long-track skating events, the games have adapted resiliently. Haryana leads the medal tally with golds in figure skating, but ice hockey’s high-scoring drama has captured fans’ attention nationwide.
As the finals approach on January 26, expect more exhilarating action on the ice.
