Initiative provides exposure, training, opportunities for budding talent
Mohammad Irfan
Leh: For decades, Ladakh’s winter athletes polished their skills on frozen lakes including Gopukh, dreaming of recognition beyond the Union Territory. Now, the Khelo India Winter Games are giving them the platform, and exposure to compete at the national level, learn from peers, and pursue sports as a viable career.
Presently, the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is underway at Leh.
Tsering Namgyal, 17, an ice hockey player from Leh says earlier, he used to practice in Gopukh Lake, which has acted as a launch pad for most of Ladakh’s athletes so far. But Khelo India has given us the exposure to meet new people, learn from them, and compete at the national level. That experience has changed everything for us, he said.
“We meet athletes from all over India. Seeing how they train, how they compete, it has opened our minds. It is motivating us to push harder every day,”Namgyal said.
Before Khelo India, athletes in the region had limited access to professional coaching or structured competition.
So far 6 editions of Khelo India have transformed Ladakh’s winter sports ecosystem. Modern ice rinks, skating tracks and professional coaching now provide young athletes with world-class facilities and guidance.
Dolma Angmo, 16, a skater from Leh says it about improving, learning, and realizing that we can stand alongside anyone in India. Khelo India made that possible.
“When I first saw girls from Himachal, Manipur, and Uttar Pradesh competing, I was nervous. But I also felt inspired. I learned new techniques from them, and the coaches here explained things we could never have learned on our lakes,” she said.
Her father, accompanying her at Gopukh Lake, Stazin said that this program is opening doors we never imagined. Our children can now dream bigger.”
“Khelo India has made me believe that girls from Ladakh can compete nationally and even internationally,” he added.
US volunteer and ice hockey trainer Natalie Falsgraf, who has been mentoring young athletes in Zanskar, said the talent here is exceptional. These kids are disciplined, committed, and resilient.
“Khelo India exposes them to national competition, teaches teamwork and strategy, and helps them gain confidence,” she said, adding that the initiative has particularly empowered girls, who are now competing confidently in ice hockey, skating, and skiing at national events.
Tenzin Dorjey, a 19-year-old skater, said Khelo India showed us how to push ourselves. Seeing girls from across India inspired me to work harder. We want to make Ladakh proud, he said.
With over 45 years of experience in competitive sports and coaching, Nordakh has represented India at several national and international ice-skating events.
Nordakh, a skating coach in Leh, says, “Khelo India is transforming winter sports in Ladakh. From practicing on natural lakes to competing on professionally maintained tracks, our athletes are learning, growing, and building confidence. This is helping Ladakh emerge as a breeding ground for India’s future winter champions,” he said.
“The initiative provides a structured path from local practice grounds to national arenas, offering recognition, scholarships, and prospects for future careers,” he added.
