The 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony at the NDS Ice Hockey Stadium in Leh on February 2. The event featured a captivating display of the game's logo, which showcased the vibrant Indian tricolor alongside the snow leopard mascot, 'shin -e-shee' (shan).

Chief Guest for the occasion was L-G Ladakh BD Mishra, while Dy Chairman Tsering Angchuk graced the event as the Guest of Honor. Distinguished personalities present included ADGP Ladakh, the district commissioner, Ghulam Mehdi executive councilor, Stanzin Chospel executive councilor, and various other officials.

In his address, LG Ladakh emphasized the historic nature of Ladakh hosting the Khelo India event for the first time, with 15 states and Union Territories participating. He viewed it as a monumental opportunity for Ladakhi players to shine on the international stage and pledged efforts to ensure that all players from Ladakh receive opportunities to compete internationally.

Ravinder Kumar, Sports Secretary of UT Ladakh extended a warm welcome to the gathering. He highlighted the significant contributions made for the development of winter sports, particularly ice hockey in Ladakh. Kumar expressed gratitude to the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the Indian Ice Hockey Association for their dedicated efforts in organizing the event.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal, advisor to LG, conveyed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk expressed optimism and confidence in organizing the Khelo India Winter Games in a well-coordinated manner. He mentioned Ladakh's recent achievement in the Asia Oceanic Cup where students reached the semifinals in Thailand.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Moses Kunzang, Sports Director of UT Ladakh, and Lalita Sharma, Deputy Director General, representing the Sports Department, UT Ladakh, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the Khelo India Excellence Center.

To add to the festivities, an exhibition match lasting 10 minutes took place between the ITBP and UT Ladakh teams, and a short track ice skating exhibition by girls added to the excitement of the occasion. The event was further enriched by Ladakhi dance performances and a musical concert by the Dashugs band, making it a vibrant and memorable celebration.