Leh (Ladakh), Jan 23: Hosts Ladakh and ITBP women marched into the final of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 ice hockey competition in commanding fashion on Friday, setting up a repeat of the KIWG 2025 women’s final.
On an icy day in Leh, heavy snowfall affected the 1,000-metre long-track finals for men and women at Gupukh’s Pond—the first significant snowfall in weeks in the Union Territory. Poor visibility and the condition of the 333-metre course disrupted the women’s final midway, while the men’s race could not take place.
In men’s ice hockey, defending champions Army secured their berth in the final from Group A, thrashing Jammu & Kashmir 11-0 at their home rink at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. They will face ITBP, the No. 2 team from Group B, in the semifinals. Hosts Ladakh top Group B, with both men’s semifinals scheduled for Saturday.
In the women’s semifinals at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium on Friday afternoon, both Ladakh and ITBP dominated their opponents. The newly roofed NDS Stadium ensured that snowfall did not affect play. Ladakh women defeated Himachal Pradesh 14-0, while ITBP beat Chandigarh 10-1. The women’s final will be a rematch of the KIWG 2025 final, where Ladakh defeated ITBP 4-0. Women’s ice hockey was introduced in KIWG 2024.
Tsewang Chuskit scored a hattrick for Ladakh, while Padma Chorol, Rinchen Dolma, Padma Desal, Samina Khatoon, and Rigzin Yangdol each added two goals, overwhelming Himachal Pradesh.
Ladakh skipper Rigzin Yangdol said, “We have won all four matches so far in KIWG 2026. Even though I am the captain, our seniors guide us on the ice and in the locker room. The younger girls are also playing well and scoring goals. Our coach’s strategy worked perfectly today, and the UT Administration’s support in our training has been tremendous. The selection process was conducted through trials in both Leh and Kargil. We are excited for the finals and hope to lift the cup once again.”
For ITBP, Dechen Dolker scored a hattrick against Chandigarh, while Tashi Dolker and Sharap Yangset contributed two goals each. Gunika Kaur Bhatti received the loudest cheer for scoring a consolation goal for Chandigarh.
Tashi Dolkar, ITBP captain, said, “Last year we lost to Ladakh because we were underprepared. This year it’s different. We are more prepared, and I believe in my team. Most of the Ladakh players were competing under the Ladakh Women Ice Hockey Foundation (LWIHF) banner in the recent LG Cup, which we won 7-3. We have kept the same spirit, and we hope to perform well in the KIWG 2026 final.”((Agencies)
