The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 (KIWG 2025), the fifth edition of India’s premier winter sports event under the Khelo India initiative, was successfully conducted in two phases. The event, which witnessed participation from over 400 athletes representing 19 teams, commenced in Leh, Ladakh on January 23, 2025, and concluded in Jammu & Kashmir on March 12, 2025. The Indian Army emerged as the overall champion of KIWG 2025 by securing the most gold medals.
Introduction to Khelo India Winter Games 2025
The Khelo India Winter Games is an initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aimed at promoting winter sports in India. The tournament provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills in various winter disciplines and fosters the growth of winter sports across the country.
The fifth edition of the KIWG was held in two phases, with the first phase in Leh, Ladakh from January 23 to 27, 2025, and the second phase in Jammu & Kashmir from March 9 to 12, 2025.
Phases and Venues of KIWG 2025
Phase 1: Leh, Ladakh (January 23-27, 2025)
The first phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 took place in Leh, Ladakh, where participants competed in ice hockey and ice skating. The venues for these events were:
- Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Sports Complex
- Guphuk Pond
Phase 2: Jammu & Kashmir (March 9-12, 2025)
The second phase was hosted in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, featuring four major winter sports:
- Alpine Skiing
- Nordic Skiing
- Ski Mountaineering
- Snowboarding
The competitions were conducted at Kangdoori Phase 1 and the Golf Course Club in Gulmarg.
Participation and Competition Format
KIWG 2025 saw participation from over 400 athletes representing 19 teams, including states, Union Territories (UTs), and institutions. The games followed a team championship format, where medals won by individual athletes contributed to the overall tally of their respective teams. The team with the highest number of gold medals was declared the winner of KIWG 2025.
Notable Performances and Highlights
Nayana Sri Talluri’s Hat-Trick Gold in Speed Skating
- 15-year-old Nayana Sri Talluri from Telangana created history by winning a hat-trick of gold medals in speed skating.
- She won the first gold medal of KIWG 2025 in the women’s 500m short track event.
Aanchal Thakur’s Double Gold in Alpine Skiing
- Alpine skier Aanchal Thakur clinched gold medals in both alpine skiing slalom and giant slalom events held in Gulmarg.
Medal Tally of Khelo India Winter Games 2025
The Indian Army topped the medal tally by winning 7 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The top five teams in the medal standings were:
| Rank | State/UT/Team | Gold medals | Silver medals | Bronze medals | Total medals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Army | 7 | 5 | 6 | 18 |
| 2 | Himachal Pradesh | 6 | 5 | 7 | 18 |
| 3 | Ladakh | 4 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 3 | 5 | 5 | 13 |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | ITBP | 2 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| 7 | Karnataka | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 8 | Telangana | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| 9 | Jammu and Kashmir | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 10 | Uttarakhand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 11 | CRPF | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 12 | Haryana | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 13 | Delhi | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Other notable performances included Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, which secured multiple medals in different winter sports categories.
Indian Army’s Continued Dominance
The Indian Army also won the Khelo India Winter Games 2024, where they claimed 10 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. This marks their second consecutive title victory, further cementing their dominance in winter sports.
Past Winners of Khelo India Winter Games
- 2020: Jammu & Kashmir (Host & Winner)
- 2021: Jammu & Kashmir (Host & Winner)
- 2023: Jammu & Kashmir (Host & Winner)
- 2024: Indian Army (Winner)
- 2025: Indian Army (Winner)
Impact of Khelo India Winter Games
The Khelo India Winter Games have played a significant role in promoting winter sports in India, especially in regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The event has provided a competitive platform for aspiring athletes and has enhanced India’s potential to become a winter sports hub.
Summary of Khelo India Winter Games 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Khelo India Winter Games 2025 (5th Edition) |
| Phases | Two (Leh, Ladakh & Jammu & Kashmir) |
| Dates | January 23-27 (Phase 1) & March 9-12 (Phase 2) |
| Venues | NDS Sports Complex, Guphuk Pond, Kangdoori Phase 1, Golf Course Club |
| Total Athletes | Over 400 |
| Participating Teams | 19 (States, UTs, Institutions) |
| Sports | Ice Hockey, Ice Skating, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, Snowboarding |
| Champion Team | Indian Army (7 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze) |
| Top Individual Performers | Nayana Sri Talluri (Speed Skating, Telangana) & Aanchal Thakur (Alpine Skiing, HP) |
| Previous Winner (2024) | Indian Army |
| Notable Impact | Growth of winter sports in India, increased participation, improved infrastructure |
The Khelo India Winter Games continue to foster the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence, paving the way for India’s bright future in winter sports at the global level.
IPL Winners List from 2008 to 2025, Comp...
IPL 2025 Schedule Today and Tomorrow Mat...
Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for ...
