Leh, Feb 06: The first part of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 concluded with Maharashtra emerging as the top-performing state in skating events, while Army secured victory in the highly anticipated ice hockey finals, held at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Sports Complex in Leh of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Maharashtra showcased its prowess in skating by securing a total of 20 medals, including six golds, to claim the top spot in the medal standings. Karnataka, closely behind with six golds of its own, settled for the second position with a total of eight medals. Hosts Ladakh made a memorable debut in the Khelo India Winter Games, finishing third overall with an impressive tally of 13 medals.
The UT of Ladakh, hosting the Winter Games for the first time, witnessed spirited competition in ice hockey and speed skating. The thrilling ice hockey finals saw Army clinching the men’s title after a shootout, while ITBP emerged victorious in the women’s category with a dominant performance.
Stanzin Phandey, the Army team captain, expressed his elation after the hard-fought victory, acknowledging the intense rivalry with ITBP and the overwhelming support from the enthusiastic crowd. The inclusion of women’s ice hockey added to the historic significance of the event, with ITBP securing the inaugural title in a memorable triumph.
In the skating competitions, veteran athlete Shruti Kotwal of Maharashtra stole the show with her stellar performance, marking a triumphant return to the Khelo India Winter Games after 15 years. Shruti’s remarkable display in the long track events reaffirmed her status as one of India’s top speed skaters.
Ladakh also left a mark in the skating events, with local athletes Padma Angmo, Insha Fatima, and Tasnia Shamim clinching the top three positions in the under-17 1000 meters race, showcasing the region’s emerging talent on the national stage.
With the first part of the Khelo India Winter Games concluding on a high note, all eyes are now set on Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, where the second part of the event is scheduled to take place from February 21-25, promising more exhilarating action across multiple winter sports disciplines.
