Ice Hockey in Leh-Ladakh

In the past Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Ice Skating and Snow Climbing have been the main attraction of winter sports in India. But now Ice Hockey is also growing with a pace because of the interests shown by the localites.

Leh-Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, located in the Northernmost part of India, has now become one of the famous winter sports destination with the popularity of Ice Hockey. Taking the help from Army men posted in Leh, localites have shown great interest in learning the game with very less support from the government.

The famous Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink has become the most sought after destination in Leh during winters for the localites as well as tourists having a passion for Ice Hockey. It is the highest Ice Hockey rink in the country, which is situated at an altitude of 3483 meters above sea level. 2009 has been an year of achievement for the local players from Ladakh, where they got an opportunity to represent their county in International Ice Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia held at Abu Dhabi.

Ice Hockey was introduced by army men in the region in 1970's as a pleasure activity on frozen lakes. The sport gained popularity in Leh-Ladakh region in 1980's when localites started forming Ice Hockey Clubs and started conducting tournaments. At present Ice Hockey can only be practiced during winter season, when there is snowfall, but efforts are in progress to build modern all weather Ice Hockey stadium in Leh, meeting international standards.

Though Leh-Ladakh is famous for its safaris and Buddhist monasteries, it is the highest plateau in India bounded by two mightiest mountain ranges, Himalayas and Karakoram. It lies at an altitude ranging from 9000 feet to 25,170 feet above sea level and is also known by the name of cold desert of India. Tourism is the mainstay of economy of the people habitating in Leh-Ladakh. Hence, winter sports are being promoted by the government to help in boosting the tourism activities in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ice Hockey In India

The Ice Hockey Association of India based in Delhi is actually a recognized member of the International Ice Hockey Federation based out of Geneva. IHAI has been taking the game to new levels in India by sending young players to international games and training camps. Canada's national game, Ice Hockey, was first introduced to the mountainous Ladakh region in 1962, by Indian army officers stationed in the region to halt the advance of Chinese invaders during the Sino-Indo Border conflict. For nearly 40 years since then, the locals played scrimmage amongst themselves with few skills, rules, coaches or equipment - players used field-hockey sticks, with skates made from army boots with homemade blades. At a dizzying 11,500 feet, Ice Hockey in the Himalayas presents unique challenge - the rink is almost as high as Mt Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In 2003, this phenomenon caught the interest of the NHL Player’s Association in Canada. Recognizing the historic interest in the game, they generously donated 50 sets of hockey gear to the indigenous players in Leh. Furthermore, to encourage the game, the New Delhi Canadian High Commission Ice Hockey team, the “Sacred Bulls", have been traveling annually to Ladakh, since 2001, to play against a variety of enthusiastic local teams in what is the highest altitude hockey tournament in the world.

Prime Region For Ice Hockey In India
Leh - Ladakh