The Indian Army clinched the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 with a nail-biting 3–2 win over Chandigarh at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh, Ladakh on 26 January. After Chandigarh rallied to level the score late in the game, the Army struck back with a decisive goal in the final minutes to lift the coveted title.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations, with the Army team proudly unfurling both the Indian national flag and the Indian Army flag on the ice. Beyond the final, state teams such as Haryana excelled across disciplines, topping the overall medal tally, while athletes from Ladakh, Maharashtra, Telangana and other regions made significant contributions.
Officials, coaches and commentators highlighted the growing depth, competitiveness and sportsmanship on display throughout the Games.
‘Thriller on Ice’: Army Edge Chandigarh in Final Minutes
In what quickly became one of the most talked-about matches of KIWG 2026, the Indian Army and Chandigarh teams delivered a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat men’s ice hockey final. The standout feature of the match was its dramatic ebb and flow: neither side could establish a comfortable lead for long, and both defences were tested repeatedly.
After a goalless second period, Chandigarh stunned fans by scoring twice within a short span in the final quarter, with Gurtej Singh Bhatti breaking through the Army defence and Birshahaanjit Singh slotting in the equaliser during a tense video review process.
However, when momentum seemed to sit with Chandigarh, it was Padma Norboo who delivered a long-range match-winner for the Army with just minutes left on the clock, sealing the score at 3–2 and sending the Army camp into raptures.
In the aftermath, Chandigarh’s head coach Gaurav Raheja called the experience “truly exceptional,” praising his players’ grit and promising a renewed focus on training and development for coming seasons.
The final was marked by clean, skilful hockey that emphasised speed, tactics and teamwork rather than rough physical play. Officials and commentators alike noted that this reflected the rising technical standard of Indian ice hockey, a sport that has traditionally struggled for recognition and infrastructure support.
Wider Stories from Khelo India Winter Games 2026
While the ice hockey final was the highlight of Republic Day action, the Ladakh edition of the Khelo India Winter Games offered a broader showcase of winter sports talent across India.
Discussions before the Games had anticipated vigorous competition across six disciplines at multiple venues in the Union Territory of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir between 20 and 26 January. The event attracted over 1,000 athletes, more than 300 support staff and more than 130 technical officials.
Haryana emerged as the overall champion of this edition. Led by standout performances in figure skating and short-track speed skating, the state collected at least four gold medals, maintaining a strong position atop the medal table throughout the week and finishing on top at the conclusion of events.
In ice skating, youthful talents from across the country turned in inspirational performances. Among them, Nayana Sri Talluri of Telangana continued her impressive run, winning short-track gold and adding to her growing tally of medals over successive editions of the Games.
Meanwhile, at Gupukh’s scenic frozen pond one of the famed open-ice skating venues competitors from states not traditionally associated with winter sports showed surprising speed, determination and skill.
The hosts, Ladakh, also celebrated some of their first gold medals at this Winter Games, with the women’s short-track relay team clinching a top podium finish and sparking local pride among fans who have passionately supported winter sports in the region for years.
Together, these results illustrated that winter sports in India are no longer confined to a few regions or athletes; rather, they are becoming genuinely national in scope, with increasing representation from plains states as well as Himalayan areas. The success of athletes from diverse backgrounds reinforces the unifying power of sport and the broadening base of talent across India.
Voices and Visions: Statements from Officials and Coaches
Across the Khelo India Winter Games, coaches, officials and sport administrators used the platform to highlight the event’s significance beyond medals.
For instance, national coach Mohammad Abbas Nordak commented on the progress seen across winter sports, noting improved timing, technique and competitive consistency among athletes, especially in ice skating. He emphasised the need for continued investment in exposure, training and international competition opportunities to elevate Indian athletes to the next level on the world stage.
Similarly, Chandigarh’s head coach Gaurav Raheja spoke candidly after the final, calling the journey “an exceptional experience” and affirming his team’s commitment to greater dedication in future seasons. Raheja’s reflections underscored how underdog teams can inspire wider participation and belief in less prominent sports.
Meanwhile, officials from the Khelo India programme reiterated that expanding the reach, infrastructure and public visibility of winter sports remains a priority for India’s broader sporting ambition. With more facilities, training centres and competitive opportunities, they argue, winter sports can flourish alongside more mainstream disciplines such as cricket and athletics.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The spirited competition, regional diversity and emotional moments of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 highlight the transformative potential of sport in India. In an era where sporting discourse often revolves around a handful of high-visibility disciplines, the rise of winter sports like ice hockey and ice skating demonstrates the power of inclusion, investment and community support to unlock talent from unexpected places.
The Indian Army’s hard-earned gold and Chandigarh’s courageous performance both reflect the virtues of discipline, resilience and unity that sport can instil in individuals and societies alike.
