Ladakh skaters receive grand reception after record National C’ship success

LEH: A jubilant reception awaited Team Ladakh at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (KBR) Airport, Leh, as the Union Territory celebrated the return of its medal-winning Short Track Speed Skating and Figure Skating contingent after a record-breaking performance at the 21st National Ice Skating Championship in Dehradun.

Members of the Ladakh Ice Skating Association (LISA), led by its General Secretary Tundup Namgial Shamma, along with parents, supporters and sports enthusiasts, gathered at the airport to welcome the athletes whose historic achievement has marked a new milestone in Ladakh’s rapidly growing winter sports journey.

The team etched its name in the record books by securing an unprecedented 14 medals—2 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze—at the championship held at the Himadri Ice Rink, Dehradun, from June 25 to 30. The tally represents the highest number of medals ever won by Team Ladakh at a National Ice Skating Championship, underlining the Union Territory’s emergence as one of India’s strongest ice skating hubs.

The remarkable success was guided by Senior National Team Coach Mohd Abbass Nordakh, who also serves as the President of LISA. The coaching staff included internationally acclaimed figure skating coach Natalie Falsgraf from the United States, while Dorjay Namgial served as the team manager.

The latest achievement continues an impressive upward trajectory for Ladakh’s skaters. The team had earlier claimed 11 medals at the 2025 National Championship and 13 medals at the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games held in Leh. Surpassing both previous records, the 14-medal haul reflects sustained investment in coaching, athlete development and competitive exposure, positioning Ladakh as a formidable force in Indian ice skating.

Buoyed by their national success, the athletes have now shifted their focus towards international competition. The short track speed skating squad will compete in the Team India Selection Trials for the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026, scheduled from August 17 to 20 at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun.

The prestigious championship is expected to attract participants from 12 countries, with more than 80 international skaters already confirmed. Simultaneously, Ladakh’s figure skaters are preparing for an International Figure Skating Camp and Competition in Thailand next month, offering another opportunity to showcase the region’s growing talent on the global stage.

Adding significance to the forthcoming international event, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya recently unveiled the official logo and mascots of the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026 during his visit to Himadri Ice Rink. He was accompanied by Dr. Amitabh Sharma, President of the Ice Skating Association of India, Vice President of the Asian Skating Union and Executive Member of the Indian Olympic Association.

The warm reception accorded to the athletes at Leh reflected the pride and optimism generated by their success. Sports enthusiasts and families hailed the skaters for bringing national recognition to Ladakh and inspiring a new generation of winter sports aspirants.

With consistent record-breaking performances, increasing international exposure and a strong pipeline of emerging talent, Ladakh continues to strengthen its reputation as India’s winter sports powerhouse. The team’s latest accomplishment not only celebrates sporting excellence but also signals the Union Territory’s growing ambitions to make a lasting impact on the international ice skating arena.