Khelo India Winter Games 2026: Schedule, Venues & Teams

The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 represent the pinnacle of cold-weather athletics in the country, showcasing the finest national talent across snow and ice disciplines. Under the guidance of the sports authority of India, this prestigious tournament has revolutionized winter sports in India, turning the Himalayan region into a global competitive hub.

What are the Khelo India Winter Games?

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) are a flagship national event organized under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Launched to champion cold-weather disciplines, the games follow a competitive team championship format.

States, Union Territories, and elite institutional teams vie for top honors, with their successes compiled into an official medal tally. The championship boosts grassroots infrastructure, preparing elite athletes to represent India on global winter Olympic platforms.

Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Schedule & Venues

The Khelo India Winter Games schedule features a strategic two-phase structure designed to optimize snow and ice conditions across North India. Over 1,200 elite athletes will participate in this mega-event.

Phase 1 (Leh, Ladakh): Scheduled from January 23 to January 27, 2026. This phase focuses entirely on ice sports like ice hockey and figure skating at venues like the NDS Stadium and Guphuk Pond.
Phase 2 (Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir): Scheduled from February 22 to February 25, 2026. This phase highlights classic snow sports at the world-renowned Gulmarg winter games locations, including Kongdoori and the Gulmarg Golf Course.

Tournament History and Past Winners

Since its inaugural edition in 2020, the championship has grown rapidly. The medal tally has historically been dominated by local powerhouses and institutional forces.

| Edition | Year | Primary Host | Overall Champion | Highlight Disciplines | | :------ | :--- | :------------ | :--------------- | :--------------------------------- | | 1st | 2020 | Leh & Gulmarg | Jammu & Kashmir | Alpine skiing, Snowboarding | | 2nd | 2021 | Gulmarg | Jammu & Kashmir | Ice Hockey, Nordic Skiing | | 3rd | 2023 | Gulmarg | Jammu & Kashmir | Speed Skating, Snowboarding | | 4th | 2024 | Leh & Gulmarg | Indian Army | Alpine Slalom, Ice Hockey | | 5th | 2025 | Leh & Gulmarg | Indian Army | Figure Skating, Ski Mountaineering |

In recent years, the Indian Army has established an elite winter sporting monopoly, successfully defending its title in 2025 while Ladakh secured a historic third-place finish.

Participating Teams and Athlete Registration

Athletes cannot register independently for the games. Participation is strictly nomination-based, processed online via the official National Sports Repository System (NSRS) portal.

State and UT Teams: High-performing states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand nominate athletes through State Olympic Associations.
Institutional Teams: Dedicated teams like the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) compete directly in specific disciplines.
Age & Standards: There is no uniform age limit. Eligibility is governed by the rules of respective National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who won the Khelo India Winter Games 2025?

The Indian Army secured the overall championship trophy in the 2025 edition, topping the final medal tally with stellar performances in snow disciplines.

What is the official mascot of the games?

The official mascot is the Snow Leopard, representing the rich biodiversity, strength, and conservation spirit of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Where can I check the live schedule and standings?

Fans can track matches, official brackets, and results directly on the portal at winter.kheloindia.gov.in.

The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 stand as a monumental step forward for Indian winter sports. By nurturing elite talents in regions like Leh and Gulmarg, the event continues to build a sustainable athletic pathway from the Himalayas to the world stage.