Leh (Ladakh) : In a blistering opening day of ice hockey at the 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026, Indian Army men and Ladakh women made emphatic statements with commanding victories in Leh on Tuesday, setting the tone for high-octane competition ahead.
At the majestic Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, the beautifully frozen rink saw defending women’s champions Ladakh absolutely dismantle Telangana 19-1 in a Group A clash. Teenage sensation Padma Desal was unstoppable, scoring five sensational goals, while Padma Chorol added three more to the hosts’ tally, showcasing why Ladakh is regarded as the powerhouse of Indian ice hockey.
In another women’s match, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) rolled over Rajasthan 6-0, while Himachal Pradesh edged Haryana 2-1 in a hard-fought Group B encounter.
On the men’s side, the Indian Army, reigning champions from previous Games, stamped their authority early — outclassing Himachal Pradesh 5-1 with five different scorers finding the net. Meanwhile, ITBP men made a statement of their own with a dazzling 16-0 victory over Rajasthan, featuring a hat-trick from Stanzin Mingure and a two-goal haul from Tashi Tundup.
The day began with a colourful opening ceremony — rich in Ladakhi culture, music and traditional dance — and was officially declared open by Lt Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta.
“This is just the start,” said an Army coach (paraphrased from event reports). “Our focus is on consistency and finishing strong.”
The ice hockey phase continues through January 26, before the winter Games’ snow sports leg shifts to Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, later this year.
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