Army Dominates Khelo India Winter Games to Secure Championship Title
In a spectacular display of winter sports prowess, the Army team has successfully defended their Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) team championship title, clinching a total of nine gold medals. The thrilling Gulmarg edition of the games concluded with the Army showcasing exceptional skill across multiple events, solidifying their position at the top of the medal standings.
Final Day Highlights and Medal Standings
On the final day of competition, held on a sunny Wednesday in Gulmarg, the Army and Himachal Pradesh each secured four gold medals, adding to their impressive tallies. Himachal Pradesh's strong performance earned them the runners-up position, highlighting the competitive spirit of the games. Meanwhile, hosts Jammu & Kashmir experienced a moment of triumph as they clinched their first gold medal, bringing joy to local supporters.
Notable Performances and Individual Achievements
Veteran skier Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Karnataka, who had previously achieved a hattrick of gold medals in KIWG 2025, continued her winning streak by finishing at the top in the Nordic women's sprint across 1.5 kilometers. In a thrilling snowboarding event, Zubaid Ahmad Lone of Jammu & Kashmir emerged victorious in the men's giant slalom race, overcoming a stiff challenge from Army's Vivek Rana. This victory contributed to J&K's overall tally of one gold and one silver, placing them 10th in the medal standings.
Armyman Mayank Panwar was hailed as the slalom man of the Games, earning a pair of gold medals. The Army demonstrated complete domination in the nordic (cross-country) events, with Mohammad Ali leading a 1-2-3 finish in the grueling 15 km nordic skiing race. Ali clocked a time of 34:21.49 seconds, followed by Padma Namgail with silver at 34:36.74 seconds, and Sunny Singh securing bronze with 35:16.83 seconds.
Double Gold Medalists and Team Efforts
In KIWG 2026, three skiers stood out by finishing with double gold medals. CRPF's Kajal Kumari Rai was joined by Mayank Panwar and Himachal Pradesh's Preeti Thakur, who excelled in both the slalom and giant slalom races in snowboarding. This achievement underscores the high level of talent and dedication among the participants.
The Army's overall performance, marked by strategic teamwork and individual excellence, ensured their championship victory. With a total of nine gold medals, they have set a high benchmark for future editions of the Khelo India Winter Games.
