The Union Territory of Ladakh, internet hosting the Khelo India Winter Games for the primary time, is all set for a conventional opening ceremony on the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium on Friday. The first a part of KIWG 2024 will likely be held until February 6. The second a part of the Games will likely be held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from February 21-25. “We are really excited and want to prove that we can host ice games at the national level. Leh is known for ice hockey and ice skating and since this is our debut, we want to justify the faith that the Union sports ministry has reposed on us,” stated Ravinder Kumar, sports activities secretary, UT of Ladakh.

Ladakh will likely be conducting two disciplines — ice hockey and velocity skating. Three hundred and forty-four athletes from 15 states and union territories and two public establishments will compete over 5 days throughout three venues — NDS Sports Stadium, Gupuks pond and Ladakh Scout Regimental Centre (LSRC) rink.

Leh has been getting ready for the Games for a month now. The mascot of the Games, the snow leopard ‘Sheen-e She’ or Shan, was revealed on Tuesday.

Ever since, volunteers have been braving the sub-zero temperatures and dealing additional time to organize for the Games.

“It’s been hectic but we are getting a lot of help from local associations, volunteers and the Army. Everyone coming here are our guests.

“We need athletes to get a pleasing expertise and are available again right here as vacationers, too,” stated Kumar, including the venues are absolutely ready to host the Games.

Jammu and Kashmir, which hosted the Khelo India Winter Games in its entirety final yr, gained the workforce championship with 25 gold medals whereas Maharashtra (11 golds) and Himachal Pradesh (10 golds) completed second and third, respectively.

Ladakh (4 gold medals) completed ninth with a complete haul of 15 medals.