Dehradun, June 30: Team Ladakh scripted history by winning a record 14 medals at the 21st National Ice Skating Championship 2026, held at the Himadri Ice Rink, Dehradun, from June 25 to 30. The outstanding performance marks Ladakh’s highest-ever medal haul at the National Championships, surpassing its previous best of 11 medals at the 20th National Championship.
The latest achievement also eclipses Ladakh’s previous highest tally of 13 medals at the Khelo India Winter Games (2024, 2025 and 2026), further highlighting the Union Territory’s growing dominance in Indian ice skating.
The championship featured nearly 450 skaters representing 21 States and Union Territories, making it one of the country’s largest and most competitive ice skating events. The UT Ladakh contingent, comprising 18 skaters (12 girls and 6 boys), delivered an exceptional performance in both Speed Skating and Figure Skating, winning 2 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.
Of the 14 medals, 12 were individual medals while 2 were team relay medals. Ladakh secured Silver in both the Mixed Relay and the Women’s Relay events. The Mixed Relay team narrowly missed the Gold medal by just 0.002 seconds, underlining the closely contested nature of the race.
In Figure Skating, Stanzin Khando A and Stanzin Khando B won Gold medals in their respective categories. Bronze medals were claimed by Stanzin Famo, Tenzin Kunzin, Chossal Angmo, and the youngest member of the team, Tashi Yangzes, reflecting the strength of Ladakh’s emerging figure skating talent.
In Speed Skating, Skarma Tsultim emerged as Ladakh’s most successful athlete by winning five medals, including four Silver and one Bronze. Tasnia Shameem secured three medals (two Silver and one Bronze), while Mehvish Fatima, Shabana, Stanzin Jampal, and Tsewang Punchok each earned Silver medals in their respective events. Basharat Hussain of Kargil created history by becoming the first speed skater from the district to win a medal at the National Ice Skating Championship, earning Silver as part of Ladakh’s Mixed Relay team.
The Ladakh squad consisted of 12 Speed Skaters and six Figure Skaters. Basharat Hussain’s achievement is considered a significant milestone for the development of ice skating in Kargil district.
Basharat was identified during a talent hunt programme conducted in Kargil in February by National Coach Mohd Abbass Nordakh. He later attended the pre-National coaching camp in Leh organised by the Ladakh Ice Skating Association (LISA). Owing to limited financial support, his one-month accommodation, meals and skating equipment were personally sponsored by Coach Abbass to ensure his preparation for the National Championship.
The contingent was led by Mohd Abbass Nordakh, President of the Ladakh Ice Skating Association (LISA), who also served as the Senior National Speed Skating Coach. He was assisted by Figure Skating Coach Natalie Flagsgraf (USA) and Team Manager Dorjay Namgial.
Apart from the medal winners, several other Ladakh speed skaters delivered commendable performances by qualifying for the semifinal and final rounds, reflecting the growing depth, talent and competitiveness of the Union Territory’s skating programme.
The Ladakh Ice Skating Association congratulated all athletes, coaches, officials, parents and supporters for their dedication and commitment. The Association stated that the historic achievement reflects the remarkable progress of ice skating in Ladakh and is expected to inspire many more young athletes to take up the sport.
Following this record breaking performance, Team Ladakh will now begin preparations for the National Selection Trials for the Asian Trophy 2026, scheduled to be held in Dehradun from August 17 to 20. More than 100 athletes from over 12 Asian countries are expected to participate in the prestigious international competition, which will be hosted by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI) for the second time.
At the previous edition of the Asian Trophy, 10 athletes from Ladakh qualified to represent India and won 6 of India’s 32 medals and SEA Trophy 10- medals at Phillipines 2024. underlining Ladakh’s growing contribution to the country’s success on the international stage.
Despite repeatedly bringing laurels to Ladakh and India at both National and International Championships, its speed skaters continue to struggle due to the absence of a dedicated government funding mechanism over the past three National Championships. The Ladakh Ice Skating Association (LISA) and parents have largely borne the responsibility of purchasing basic skating equipment, meeting travel expenses and supporting athletes’ training and nutrition.
With this historic performance, Team Ladakh has firmly established itself among India’s leading ice skating teams, bringing immense pride and recognition to the Union Territory while strengthening its ambitions for greater success on the international stage.
