The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 began with great enthusiasm at the NDS Stadium on January 23. The Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting the first phase until January 27, while the snow sports segment will be held in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to 25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir for organizing this major national sporting event, showcasing the regions as hotspots for winter sports.

In his message, PM Modi emphasized the government's commitment to promoting sports across India. He highlighted how Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir have elevated the country's sporting culture while boosting tourism and showcasing India's beauty and diversity.

“Our government prioritizes sports development in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. With 100 Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir and three in Ladakh, including a State Centre of Excellence in Leh for athletics, archery, and boxing, we are shaping the region into a hub of sporting excellence,” said PM Modi. He added, “KIWG 2025 will play a crucial role in taking our sporting achievements to new heights.”

The opening ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd.), First Lady Neelam Mishra, and other dignitaries.

In his address, the LG stressed the importance of the event for Ladakh and the Khelo India initiative, given the region's passion for ice hockey. He thanked PM Modi for introducing youth-focused programs and urged the youth to take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided.

Expressing confidence in India’s capabilities, the LG remarked that the country could successfully host the Olympics in 2036, citing the management of large-scale events like the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj.

Addressing the decline in tourist footfall last season, the LG assured that steps were being taken to attract more tourists to Ladakh. He urged stakeholders to maintain reasonable taxi fares, hotel rates, and other tourism services. He also announced that youth engaged in ice hockey would receive suitable employment opportunities through the army and other avenues explored by the UT Administration.

In a significant declaration, the LG announced ice hockey as the State Game of Ladakh. He also revealed that the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports had approved the Indian Ice Hockey Team’s participation in the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, though unable to attend the ceremony, sent a message expressing his support for the initiative, calling India a “4D Sports Nation.”

“Our diversity allows us to host a variety of sports: winter games in Leh, adventure sports in the Northeast, beach games in South India, and popular sports along the west coast. This makes India a true 4D sports destination,” said Dr. Mandaviya.

Reflecting on India’s successes in 2024, including achievements in chess, cricket, the Olympics, and the Paralympics in Paris, the minister expressed optimism about the future. “The Khelo India Winter Games are a platform to forge stars who will one day stand atop the Winter Olympics podium singing ‘Jan Gan Man,’” he said.

The KIWG 2025 began with ice hockey matches at the NDS complex and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. Nineteen teams, representing states, Union Territories, and institutions like the Army and ITBP, are competing. The game features 594 participants, including 428 athletes.

This marks the second time Ladakh is hosting the Winter Games, now in their fifth edition.