In their second year as hosts, the Union Territory of Ladakh won the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, with the first chapter ending on Monday at the NDS Stadium. The big conclusion, as always, featured the mouth-watering men’s ice hockey final, with the Indian Army defeating ITBP 2-1 to retain the KIWG title. The second and final phase of KIWG 2025 will be held in Gulmarg, J&K, from February 22 to 25.
Army successfully defended their ice hockey championship despite some close calls. The Army team seemed energised from the start, thanks to their young and vocal fans from the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, who sang a classic Bollywood chartbuster from the film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Army’s victory on Monday was sweeter after losing 3-1 to ITBP in a league encounter on Saturday.
In Monday’s final, no goals were scored in the first two periods, with all three coming in the final 15 minutes of play. It was a fast-paced match between two workmanlike sides with several national-level players. The Army took the lead in the third minute of the final period. Rigzin Norboo capped a beautiful assist from national player Dorjay Angchok with a brilliant goal at the far post to put Army ahead.
Army’s Ice-Hockey Reign Continues
Ladakh claimed two of the four gold medals determined on Monday. Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza, and Padma Angmo won gold in the mixed relay with a time of 3:02.19 seconds. Maharashtra (3:03.78 seconds) and Telangana (3:04.85 seconds) took silver and bronze, respectively. There was further joy for the local supporters. In sweet revenge, the Ladakh girls defeated ITBP 4-0.
They won the women’s round-robin competition at a crowded NDS Stadium complex. Women’s ice hockey began only last year, and Ladakh lost the final match to ITBP by a 4-0 score. Himachal Pradesh earned bronze. Tamil Nadu demonstrated why it is developing as a destination for aspiring skaters. In the final skating event on Monday, the 500m women’s long track (at Gupuks), Yashashree won Tamil Nadu’s third gold medal at KIWG 2025.
