Khelo India Winter Games 2025: A Celebration of Sports and Culture in Ladakh and J&K

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 were inaugurated amidst great enthusiasm at the iconic NDS Stadium in Leh, Ladakh, marking the commencement of the fifth edition of this national-level winter sports event. The first phase, hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh, will run from January 23 to January 27, 2025, while the second phase, focusing on snow games, will be held in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to February 25, 2025.

Despite adverse weather conditions preventing Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, from attending the opening ceremony in person, he officially declared the Games open through a heartfelt virtual message, inspiring the participants and stakeholders.

The Grand Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony at Leh’s NDS Stadium, with a seating capacity of 5,000, reflected the adventurous spirit of winter sports. Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Ladakh and J&K for hosting the first major sports event of the 2025 national calendar.

Key highlights of the ceremony included:

• March Past: Teams marched past the VIP podium on skates, showcasing their enthusiasm.
• Cultural Displays: Performances highlighted the art, culture, and heritage of the region.
• Exhibition Ice Hockey: A thrilling ice hockey exhibition match set the tone for the event.

Prominent dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra, graced the event.

Sports Competitions: A Showcase of Talent

The KIWG 2025 began with ice hockey matches at the NDS Stadium and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre.

Participation and Teams

• 19 teams, representing States, Union Territories, and institutional outfits like the Army and ITBP, are competing in the Games.
• A total of 594 participants, including 428 athletes, are involved in the Ladakh leg of the Games.

Disciplines in Focus

The Games feature competitions across two ice disciplines and four snow disciplines, offering athletes a chance to showcase their skills on a national platform.

Vision and Mission of Khelo India Winter Games

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the vision behind the Khelo India Winter Games as a platform to nurture talent, promote sports tourism, and position India as a competitive force in winter sports. He emphasized the dream of witnessing India’s National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ resonate at the Winter Olympics podium.

Khelo India Winter Games: A Brief History

• Launched under the Khelo India Scheme by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Winter Games began in 2020.
• In its four previous editions, 36 States and Union Territories have participated.
• This is the second time Ladakh is hosting the Winter Games.

The event not only provides a platform for athletic excellence but also showcases the host region’s art, culture, heritage, and tourism potential.

The Role of KIWG in Sports Development

The Khelo India Scheme includes several national-level competitions such as:

• Khelo India Youth Games
• Khelo India University Games
• Khelo India Para Games
• Khelo India Winter Games

These initiatives aim to identify and nurture talent, promote fitness, and create opportunities for athletes to excel nationally and internationally.

Ladakh and J&K: Winter Sports Hotspots

The Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir have emerged as premier destinations for winter sports due to their natural terrain and climatic conditions. Hosting the KIWG 2025 further cements their status as winter sports hubs, attracting athletes and tourists alike.