Ladakh : The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 produced one of its most captivating moments yet as Chandigarh shocked host Ladakh to reach the men’s ice hockey final, while Ladakh still managed to claim a medal and make headlines in other events.
In a semi-final that had fans on the edge of their seats, Chandigarh overturned a deficit to beat Ladakh 3-2, with two goals from Gurtej Singh Bhatti and another from Unnatveer Singh, stunning both the home crowd and pundits alike. This result booked Chandigarh a spot in the final against the Indian Army.
“We believed until the last whistle,” said a jubilant Chandigarh captain after the match, reflecting a victory that players called historic and unexpected.
For Ladakh, the heartbreak of missing out on a men’s final was softened slightly the next day when their men’s team rebounded to seize the bronze medal, defeating ITBP 3-2 in a fiercely fought playoff.
Ladakh’s Ice Hockey Heartbreak and Redemption
The host city faced another tough moment in the women’s ice hockey final. Ladakh, hoping to defend their title, led through Shamina Khatoon’s early goal, only to see ITBP equalize and then clinch gold with a golden goal in extra time scored by India international Stanzin Dolkar “Tani” within seconds of the additional period beginning.
Despite the loss, Ladakh’s spirited performances — especially the men’s comeback on Sunday — kept the home crowd roaring until the end.
Beyond the Ice – Skating Stars Shine Too
KIWG 2026 wasn’t all about hockey. In skating action, Telangana’s Nayana Sri Talluri continued her remarkable run, claiming another gold medal in the short-track events, while Ladakh’s skaters and Haryana’s Sachin Singh also added to their nation’s medal hauls in thrilling races on the ice.
This edition of the Winter Games highlighted the rapid rise of winter sport talent across India, with surprises like Chandigarh’s hockey upset and impressive individual skating performances pointing to growing depth beyond traditional winter sport strongholds. It also showcased how team spirit and grit can rewrite expectations on the biggest stages.
Article compiled and credited using reports from The Daily Guardian, Reach Ladakh, IANS/PTI and Outlook India.
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