Army Ice-Hockey Triumph, Haryana Shine As Overall Champions At KIWG 2026 |

Updated: January 26, 2026 23:45

Image Source: Outlook India

The Indian Army defended their men’s ice-hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 with a thrilling 3-2 win over Chandigarh in Leh. Haryana emerged overall champions with four golds in figure and ice skating, while Chandigarh impressed by reaching the final. Ladakh finished second in medals.

The Ladakh leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 concluded with high drama and memorable performances. The Indian Army retained their ice-hockey crown, Haryana dominated the medal tally, and Chandigarh captured hearts with their spirited journey to the final.

Key Highlights:

Army retained their men’s ice-hockey gold after defeating Chandigarh 3-2 in a nail-biting final at the NDS Stadium in Leh on Republic Day. The winning goal came just three minutes before the final whistle, sealing a dramatic finish.
Chandigarh, who only began competing in ice hockey at KIWG 2025, stunned hosts Ladakh in the semifinals with a 3-2 victory. Their spirited run to the final earned admiration across the tournament.
Haryana emerged as overall champions of the Ladakh phase, powered by four gold medals in figure and ice skating. Their consistent performances across disciplines ensured they topped the medal standings.
Hosts Ladakh, Maharashtra, and Telangana each secured two golds. The final ranking was determined by silver counts: Ladakh with five silvers, Maharashtra with three, and Telangana with two.
Individual brilliance also stood out, with Ladakh’s Skarma Tsultim winning four medals, including two golds. Maharashtra’s Ishaan Darvekar, Telangana’s Nayana Sri Talluri, and Haryana’s Sachin Singh each bagged two golds, showcasing the depth of talent across states.
The Ladakh leg of the Games highlighted the growing popularity of winter sports in India, with packed stands and thrilling contests reflecting the rising enthusiasm among athletes and fans alike.

Conclusion:

The KIWG 2026 in Ladakh delivered a perfect blend of tradition, competition, and inspiration. While the Army showcased resilience to retain their ice-hockey supremacy, Haryana’s dominance across skating events underlined their all-round strength. Chandigarh’s fairytale run added heart to the spectacle, making this edition a landmark in India’s winter sports journey.

Sources: The Hans India, Outlook India, Sportstar

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