Leh (Ladakh), January 25 — The Khelo India Winter Games concluded on a high in Ladakh on Sunday, with thrilling finishes in ice hockey and ice skating marking the final day of competition.
Athletes and teams from across the country showcased grit and skill in extreme winter conditions, underlining India’s growing footprint in winter sports.
In the women’s ice hockey final, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) emerged champions after edging past hosts Ladakh in a tense extra-time encounter.
With both sides locked at the end of regulation play, ITBP struck early in overtime to clinch the gold, leaving the home crowd heartbroken despite a spirited performance by the Ladakh team.
In ice skating, Telangana’s Nayana Sri Talluri capped a remarkable campaign by securing her second gold medal of the Games, dominating the women’s 1000-metre short-track event. Her consistent performances made her one of the standout athletes of the tournament.
The men’s 1000-metre short-track title was claimed by Ishaan Darvekar of Maharashtra, who delivered a tactically sharp race to finish ahead of a competitive field. In the men’s 1000-metre long-track event, Srivatsa S Rao from Karnataka powered his way to gold, showing exceptional endurance and control on the ice.
Earlier in the Games, the host region had its moment of celebration when Ladakh’s women’s team captured gold in the 2000-metre short-track relay, giving the local contingent a memorable home victory. Haryana continued its strong showing through multiple podium finishes, led by Sachin Singh, who bagged gold medals in individual and relay events.
The Games also saw skaters from non-traditional winter sports states like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh climb the top step of the podium, reflecting the expanding reach of winter sports across the country.
With the final medals awarded, the Khelo India Winter Games once again reinforced Ladakh’s position as India’s winter sports capital, offering both a competitive platform for athletes and a boost to high-altitude sports infrastructure.
