Ladakh’s dream run at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 suffered a cruel twist on January 25 as ITBP reclaimed the women’s ice-hockey gold with a dramatic extra-time win at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium.

In a gripping final that ended 1-1 in regulation time, ITBP struck within nine seconds of extra time to clinch a 2-1 victory. It was a repeat of last year’s final, and once again Ladakh were left heartbroken.

Ladakh had looked on course to defend their title after Shamina Khatoon opened the scoring in the 17th minute. However, ITBP’s India international Stanzin Dolkar—popularly known as Tani—produced a sensational equaliser in the third period to force extra time. Dolkar then struck again almost immediately, converting from a goalmouth melee to seal the golden goal.

The win ensured ITBP would not leave the Games empty-handed.

Earlier in the day, Ladakh’s men redeemed themselves by securing the ice-hockey bronze medal with a fighting 3-2 win over ITBP. The hosts bounced back strongly after an eventful Saturday in which underdogs Chandigarh stunned Ladakh 3-2 in the semifinals. Ladakh had earlier beaten ITBP 3-1 in the league stage.

With one day remaining in KIWG 2026, Haryana continue to lead the medal tally with four gold medals. Ladakh are second with two golds, while Telangana also have two golds but trail the hosts on silver medals.

On Sunday morning, Telangana’s Nayana Sri Talluri claimed her second consecutive gold medal at the short-course skating rink at NDS Stadium. The Calgary-based teenager produced a tactically astute performance in the women’s 1000m short track, shifting gears midway through the race to finish strongly in 1:43.32 seconds.

Ladakh’s Skarma Tsultim, one of Nayana’s chief rivals, crashed while attempting to accelerate, while Maharashtra’s Anvayee Deshpande pushed Nayana close before settling for silver in 1:43.43. Schaleen Fernandes of Maharashtra won bronze with a time of 1:46.41.

Nayana became the third skater at KIWG 2026 to win two individual gold medals. Haryana’s Sachin Singh and Ladakh’s Skarma Tsultim have also won two golds each (individual and relay).

Late on Saturday, Ladakh were awarded the women’s 1000m long track gold after the event at Gupukh’s Pond was disrupted by a snowstorm. Skarma Tsultim had led a Ladakh clean sweep in that race.

Maharashtra celebrated their first gold of the Games on Sunday when Ishaan Darvekar won the men’s 1000m short track in 1:35.57 seconds. It was Ishaan’s second medal of KIWG 2026, following a silver in the 500m short track. Telangana took both silver and bronze in the event.

In clearer afternoon conditions at Gupukh’s Pond, Karnataka’s 18-year-old Srivatsa S Rao stunned the field to win the men’s 1000m long track gold in 1:36.64. The junior champion from the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games finished ahead of Tamil Nadu’s Avikshith Vijay (1:37.73) and Selva Kumar M (1:39.41).

“I am very happy to win this gold medal. Some of my idols were participating in the race, and to finish ahead of them is a special moment for me. I hope one day to win an Olympic medal for my country—that is my ultimate aim,” Srivatsa told SAI Media.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

ICE SKATING – FINALS
Men’s 1000m short track:

1. Ishaan Darvekar (Maharashtra) – 1:35.57
2. Muthakani Vishnu Vardhan (Telangana) – 1:40.72
3. D. Shiva Manikan Prabha (Telangana) – 1:44.19

Women’s 1000m short track:

1. Nayana Sri Talluri (Telangana) – 1:43.32
2. Anvayee Deshpande (Maharashtra) – 1:43.43
3. Schaleen Fernandes (Maharashtra) – 1:46.41

Men’s 1000m long track:

1. Srivatsa S Rao (Karnataka) – 1:36.64
2. Avikshith Vijay Viswanat (Tamil Nadu) – 1:37.73
3. Selva Kumar M (Tamil Nadu) – 1:39.41

ICE HOCKEY
Men’s bronze medal match: Ladakh beat ITBP 3-2
Women’s final: ITBP beat Ladakh 2-1 (1-1 at full time)