All set for ice hockey championships in Ladakh and J&K; Himachal misses out due to lack of infrastructure. Trials Begin at Kaza for Himachal’s Team.
Shimla January 10:
All is set for the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, with ice hockey championships scheduled to be held in the Union Territory of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir from January 20 onwards.
While neighbouring Himalayan regions prepare to host the prestigious winter event, Himachal Pradesh once again finds itself missing a golden opportunity due to the absence of proper ice hockey infrastructure.
Despite having a strong base of talented players from tribal belts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, Himachal is unable to host national-level championships as the state still lacks a full-fledged artificial ice rink and modern facilities.
The championships will instead be played on natural ice rinks in Ladakh and J&K, where governments have invested in winter sports infrastructure.
In a bid to ensure Himachal’s participation, the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul & Spiti (IHALS) is organising selection trials for men’s and women’s teams on January 12 at the Kaza Ice Hockey Rink.
The trials are being held in coordination with the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Himachal Pradesh.
The selected players will represent the state in the Khelo India Winter Games, which will be conducted in two phases – the first leg in Ladakh and the second leg in Jammu & Kashmir.
Officials said Himachal has immense potential but continues to lag behind due to lack of vision and investment.
“We have raw talent, passion and tradition, but no modern infrastructure. Year after year, players struggle for exposure and proper training facilities,” said a senior IHALS official.
Local players echoed similar concerns.
“We train on frozen ponds and makeshift rinks. Ladakh and Kashmir have proper facilities, that’s why big tournaments go there. We are always left out,” said a young player from Lahaul.
The Khelo India Winter Games have become a major platform for winter sports in India, giving athletes a chance to compete at the national level. However, Himachal’s inability to host such events has raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to promoting winter sports.
Sports lovers and athletes have demanded that the state government should expedite setting up artificial ice rink in Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla so that Himachal can host national and international events in near future.
As the championship approaches, hopes are high that Himachal players will make a mark on the ice in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir — even as the state watches from the sidelines, still waiting for its turn to host.