Ladakh to host Khelo India Winter Games from Jan 23
Ladakh is set to host some events of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) dates for which have been announced. Ladakh will host ice sports, including ice hockey and ice skating events from January 23 to 27.
This will be the second year that the Union Territory will host some events of the Khelo India Winter Games. Before the 2024 edition, J&K used to host all the events. However, Ladakh successfully hosted ice events like skating and hockey in February.
The Khelo India Winter Games started in 2020. Almost 1,000 athletes, including 306 women, participated in the inaugural edition. The participation has increased over the years. More than 1,350 athletes participated in 2021 and over 1,500 in 2022, highlighting the growing attraction of the games in J&K.
An official informed, “The 2024 iteration of games has over 1,200 participants, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250-plus volunteers and sports-specific volunteers, and a total of 136 medals at stake.”
He said that this (2024) was also the first time that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, along with the Sports Authority of India managed the technical conduct of the games in association with the National Sports Federations and Indian Olympic Association.
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of the Winter Games in preparing India's athletes for international competitions.
