Sports & AwardsImportant2026-01-20

6th Khelo India Winter Games Inauguration

In News

What Happened

On January 20, 2026, the first phase of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games was inaugurated at the NDS Stadium in Leh, Ladakh. Over 1,000 athletes from various states and Union Territories gathered to compete in ice sports like Ice Hockey and Speed Skating. The event introduced Figure Skating as a new discipline and featured the snow leopard 'Sheen-E-She' (Shan) as its official mascot.

Why It Matters

The event is crucial for promoting winter sports infrastructure and youth empowerment in India's high-altitude border regions. By providing a national platform, it helps identify regional talent for programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) while raising ecological awareness through its snow leopard mascot.

Background

History & Context

The Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to revive grassroots sports culture in India. To specifically promote winter sports and develop high-altitude infrastructure, the Khelo India Winter Games were introduced in 2020. These games are typically organized in Himalayan regions like Gulmarg and Leh in collaboration with local administration and winter sports associations.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Figure Skating was not part of the competitive roster in previous Khelo India Winter Games. NOW: Figure Skating has been officially introduced as a new discipline alongside Ice Hockey and Speed Skating.
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BEFORE: Winter sports infrastructure in India was largely limited and highly localized. NOW: Facilities like the NDS Stadium in Leh are being developed to host major national phases, expanding infrastructure to border Union Territories.
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BEFORE: Youth in border regions like Ladakh had limited pathways to national sports recognition. NOW: The Khelo India Winter Games provide a direct platform for talent scouting and integration into national training programs.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

The choice of the snow leopard mascot connects to Class 12 Biology (Chapter on Biodiversity and Conservation). Using 'Sheen-E-She' is a practical application of flagship species conservation, raising awareness about the vulnerable ecology of the Trans-Himalayan region.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements regarding the 6th Khelo India Winter Games is/are correct? 1. Figure Skating was introduced as a new competitive discipline in this edition. 2. The official mascot 'Sheen-E-She' (Shan) represents the Himalayan Brown Bear.

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