Leh, Jan 22: Haryana stamped early authority at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 as the opening four gold medals were decided on Wednesday at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium, all coming from figure skating, a discipline introduced for the first time in the Ladakh leg of the Games.
Haryana claimed two gold medals to move to the top of the medal standings with a total of five medals, including one silver and two bronze. Uttarakhand and Kerala picked up one gold each as figure skating made an assured debut on the Leh ice.
A total of 20 skaters from five states and two Union Territories competed across novice free skating and advanced short programme categories. The first gold of the Games was won by Haryana’s Hiya Adlakha in the novice girls event, while local skaters Stanzin Khando and Tenzin Kunzin brought cheer to the home crowd by finishing second and third respectively.
Fifteen-year-old Hiya, who comes from a sports-oriented family, has carved her path in a sport that demands long hours of solitary practice. With limited access to specialised coaching, she has often trained alone, earning selection to an Olympic Council of Asia training camp in China and clinching a national gold medal last year. Competing globally in the Intermediate Novice category, she continues to pursue the ambition of representing India at World Cups and the Olympic Games.
Judging in figure skating was carried out on composition, presentation and skating skills, overseen by an international panel comprising a referee and technical controller from Taipei. The Games are being conducted by the Youth Services and Sports Department of Ladakh in association with the Sports Authority of India, with technical supervision by the National Sports Federations.
In the novice boys category, Adarsh Singh Rawat of Uttarakhand took gold, while the advanced categories drew the loudest applause. Haryana’s Gauri Rai secured gold in the advanced girls short programme, displaying composure and experience on the ice. In the advanced boys event, Kerala’s Abhijith Amal Raj stood out with a performance that was clearly ahead of the field, topping the standings among nine competitors.
Gauri, a Class XII student of Manav Rachna International School, Gurugram, added another chapter to an already rich career that includes 10 national medals and international representation. Speaking after her win, she said the gold reflected years of discipline and resilience, adding that each competition strengthened her resolve to perform for the country on bigger stages. She also urged young skaters to stay patient, focused and respectful towards their coaches and parents.
Away from figure skating, ice hockey once again underlined its status as Ladakh’s most followed sport. The men’s Group B clash between Ladakh and ITBP turned into a gripping contest marked by speed and physical play. Hosts Ladakh took the lead within the opening minute through Stanzin Angchol before ITBP equalised in the second period via Nawang Zangpo, despite being a man short at the time.
The final period saw sustained pressure from both sides, but Ladakh found the edge as Tsering Angchuk struck twice to seal a 3–1 victory, drawing loud cheers from the packed stands.
Figure Skating Results (Finals):
Novice Girls Free Skating: Hiya Adlakha (Haryana) 9.55; Stanzin Khando (Ladakh) 9.11; Tenzin Kunzin (Ladakh) 8.46
Novice Boys Free Skating: Adarsh Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) 10.21; Kapish Kaushik (Haryana) 9.73; Arush Tiwari (Delhi) 9.40
Advanced Girls Short Programme: Gauri Rai (Haryana) 10.27; Jessy Raj Mathrapu (Andhra Pradesh) 8.64; Chelsi Singh (Haryana) 6.98
Advanced Boys Short Programme: Abhijith Amal Raj (Kerala) 21.80; Padiga Tejesh (Telangana) 12.76; Jatin Sherawat (Haryana) 11.87
Ice Hockey Results:
Women, Group B: ITBP bt Haryana 7–0; Himachal Pradesh bt Rajasthan 2–0; Chandigarh bt Telangana 3–1
Men, Group B: Ladakh bt ITBP 3–1
