Thrilling Republic Day final in Leh as Chandigarh impress, Haryana dominate ice-skating, and hosts Ladakh secure second place overall.
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Leh, January 26 — The Indian Army retained their men’s ice-hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, edging past a spirited Chandigarh side 3-2 in a pulsating final at the NDS Stadium on Republic Day. The victory capped a dramatic Ladakh leg of the Games, marked by packed stands, rising competition standards and memorable performances across disciplines.
Army’s experience proved decisive in the closing minutes after Chandigarh mounted a stunning comeback. Leading 2-0 through goals from Padma Namgail and Tsewang Dorjay in the first period, Army were pegged back in the final quarter as Gurtej Singh Bhatti and Birshahaanjit Singh struck within three minutes to level the scores. With extra time looming, Padma Norboo fired home a long-range winner with just three minutes remaining, sealing a thrilling finish.
Chandigarh emerged as the crowd’s favourites, having entered ice hockey only in KIWG 2025. Their run to the final, including a semifinal upset of hosts Ladakh, underlined their rapid rise and promise for the future.
In the overall standings of the Ladakh phase, Haryana topped the medal tally, driven by four gold medals in figure skating and ice skating. Hosts Ladakh finished second, edging Maharashtra and Telangana on silver medals, while Maharashtra and Telangana placed third and fourth respectively.
The ice-skating events also delivered high-quality action. Maharashtra clinched gold in the 2000m short track mixed relay, finishing ahead of Ladakh and Karnataka. Several skaters stood out, notably Ladakh’s Skarma Tsultim, who finished with four medals, and Haryana’s Sachin Singh, who claimed two golds.
National coach Mohammad Abbas Nordak praised the improved technical standards and consistency, stressing the need for international exposure to nurture emerging talent.
With packed stands, competitive depth and a dramatic finale, KIWG 2026 in Ladakh showcased the growing stature of winter sports in India and set the stage for an even more competitive future.
.JPG.jpeg)
Leh, January 26 — The Indian Army retained their men’s ice-hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, edging past a spirited Chandigarh side 3-2 in a pulsating final at the NDS Stadium on Republic Day. The victory capped a dramatic Ladakh leg of the Games, marked by packed stands, rising competition standards and memorable performances across disciplines.
Army’s experience proved decisive in the closing minutes after Chandigarh mounted a stunning comeback. Leading 2-0 through goals from Padma Namgail and Tsewang Dorjay in the first period, Army were pegged back in the final quarter as Gurtej Singh Bhatti and Birshahaanjit Singh struck within three minutes to level the scores. With extra time looming, Padma Norboo fired home a long-range winner with just three minutes remaining, sealing a thrilling finish.
Chandigarh emerged as the crowd’s favourites, having entered ice hockey only in KIWG 2025. Their run to the final, including a semifinal upset of hosts Ladakh, underlined their rapid rise and promise for the future.
In the overall standings of the Ladakh phase, Haryana topped the medal tally, driven by four gold medals in figure skating and ice skating. Hosts Ladakh finished second, edging Maharashtra and Telangana on silver medals, while Maharashtra and Telangana placed third and fourth respectively.
The ice-skating events also delivered high-quality action. Maharashtra clinched gold in the 2000m short track mixed relay, finishing ahead of Ladakh and Karnataka. Several skaters stood out, notably Ladakh’s Skarma Tsultim, who finished with four medals, and Haryana’s Sachin Singh, who claimed two golds.
National coach Mohammad Abbas Nordak praised the improved technical standards and consistency, stressing the need for international exposure to nurture emerging talent.
With packed stands, competitive depth and a dramatic finale, KIWG 2026 in Ladakh showcased the growing stature of winter sports in India and set the stage for an even more competitive future.
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