Khelo India Boosts Ladakh Skaters; US Coach Falsgraf Champions Ice Sports

US-based figure skating coach Natalie Falsgraf has strengthened Ladakh’s ice sports scene through the Khelo India Winter Games 2026. Figure skating made its debut at the Games this year.

Falsgraf, a former senior-level American skater, fell in love with Ladakh in 2018. She now coaches young skaters in the region without financial gain.

Her work continues under the Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Foundation.

“When I first learned about ice skating in Ladakh, I wanted to experience natural rinks and see the local hockey culture,” Falsgraf told SAI Media. She admired the warmth and enthusiasm of the community.

“Every village has frozen ponds. Locals try skating during winter. Their passion drew me back again and again,” she added.

During the Games, Falsgraf explained figure skating to spectators. She highlighted differences between novice and advanced levels.

“Novices perform single and double jumps. Advanced skaters do double and triple jumps, complex spins, and difficult footwork,” she said.

She praised Khelo India for including figure skating. “It creates a clear pathway for young talent and raises awareness nationwide,” Falsgraf emphasised.

Her trainees, Stanzin Khando and Tenzin Kunzin from Zanskar, won medals in the novice category, proving Ladakh’s growing talent.

Falsgraf also highlighted India’s international representation. She pointed to Tara Prasad, who competes at the Four Continents Championship in Beijing. “She inspires young skaters to aim globally,” Falsgraf said.

The coach applauded India’s ice sports infrastructure. The artificial rink at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium in Leh is the nation’s second, after Dehradun.

New rinks, including one planned in Delhi, will support year-round training.

“Artificial ice ensures competitive training and strengthens India’s presence in Asia and worldwide,” she concluded.

Khelo India, Falsgraf insists, offers Ladakh skaters a clear route to national and international success, blending local talent with strategic sports development.