The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 commenced on Thursday at the iconic NDS Stadium in Leh, Ladakh. The first phase of the event is being hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh and will run until January 27th, 2025. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will host the snow games from February 22nd to 25th.
The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, was scheduled to inaugurate the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, however, he could not land at Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport due to adverse weather conditions. In his message, Dr Mandaviya remarked that India is truly a “4D sports destination”. He elaborated that in the Winter Games can be held at Leh, Northeast is a great region for adventure sports and there are immense possibilities of beach games in South India, while all other popular games are being organised on the west coast.
Khelo India Winter Games 2025 begin with grandeur!
Sports embody the spirit of a vibrant and empowered nation. Under the dynamic leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the #KheloIndia initiative continues to nurture young talent and promote a culture of sports across India.… pic.twitter.com/cQ4Fq5Dpju
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) January 23, 2025
“Khelo India Winter Games is that school where we are preparing the stars of Winter Olympics in the coming years. These stars are being forged by toiling hard, so we may expect the fruits of this labour in due course,” Dr Mandaviya stated.
In a message to KIWG 2025, PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to spread sports activities across India and said how Ladakh and J&K have not only “elevated the culture of sports in our country, but also boosted tourism, showcasing the nation’s beauty and diversity.” KIWG 2025 will play a crucial role in taking our sporting excellence to the next level, he added.
Best wishes to all the athletes participating in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025! I am sure this tournament will encourage upcoming talent. May the games also be a celebration of sportsman spirit.@kheloindia pic.twitter.com/1bUx7SqKv8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2025
On Thursday, ice hockey matches were played at the NDS complex and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. Nineteen teams, comprising of states, Union Territories and institutional outfits like Army and ITBP, are competing. A total of 594 participants, of which 428 are athletes, are involved in the Ladakh leg of KIWG 2025. This is the second time Ladakh is hosting the Winter Games, into its fifth edition.
