India’s ice queens script history with Bronze medal win at IIHF Women’s Asia Cup -

Shimla, June 13,

The sport which in India started at Shimla has now spread its wings to other parts of the country as well, with the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team scripting history by winning their first-ever medal in international competition. A bronze, though, it marks a new beginning — a spark of motivation and enthusiasm for Indian women who may now see light even in this niche sport played only on ice.

At the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup held in Al-Ain, UAE, India clinched the bronze medal by winning three out of their five matches. The historic feat came as they defeated Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, and hosts UAE in fiercely contested matches. This podium finish is India’s best result in women’s international ice hockey and signals a breakthrough for a sport that has largely remained in the shadows in the country.

The 20-member Indian squad was made up of 19 players from Ladakh and one from Himachal Pradesh. Ten of these women represented the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), while nine hailed directly from Leh. One athlete came from the ice-clad valleys of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The team’s journey is as inspirational as it is challenging — born out of frozen ponds, limited resources, and sheer resilience.

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Their win against the host nation UAE, with a nail-biting 5-4 finish, stands out as the defining moment of the tournament. In a game that saw changing leads and intense pressure, India’s winning goal came in the final seconds, making it their first-ever win over the UAE in international play. Captain Tsewang Chuskit, who led the team with grit and pride, reflected on Ladakh’s deep-rooted ice hockey culture, even though the sport remains relatively unknown in the rest of India.

Yet, the path to this medal was far from easy. Most of these women began playing ice hockey on naturally frozen ponds in high-altitude terrains where temperatures remain sub-zero during winters. With no proper equipment, no rinks, and no government backing in the early years, they trained in second-hand or even makeshift gear. Ridiculed with remarks like “Go home, be mothers” or “Try dancing instead,” these women chose the path less traveled. Their fight wasn’t just against competitors but against mindsets.

“Winning the bronze medal feels incredible—it’s more than just a medal,” said Diskit C Angmo, a player from the Indian women’s ice hockey team. “It symbolizes every early morning practice, every injury, and every setback we’ve overcome together as a team.”
She added, “Hearing the national anthem play reminded me of how far we’ve come, despite limited resources and countless challenges. I feel proud—not just for myself, but for every girl who dares to dream big, for every teammate who gave their all, and for everyone back home who believed in us.”
“This bronze medal is just the beginning,” she concluded. “It’s a sign of the bright future ahead for ice hockey in India and for the generations to come.”

The foundation for this change was laid through initiatives like the Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Foundation (LWIHF), which was formed to promote the sport among girls and women and provide better access to facilities and coaching. Over the years, the foundation has not only helped in creating a team of dedicated athletes but also started taking the sport to remote villages where girls are now dreaming of representing India on ice.

Despite infrastructure challenges, the team prepared for the Asia Cup with just 20 days of training at the newly renovated Dehradun rink. Former captain Rinchen Dolma emphasised the desperate need for round-the-year training facilities and qualified coaching staff. The current scenario — with only three indoor rinks and about 42 outdoor rinks across the country — is far from enough for a sport looking to make its mark globally.

The Indian Ice Hockey Association (IHAI), the governing body of the sport, was established in 1989 and has since been trying to grow ice hockey across the colder regions of the country. Though India now has more than 2,500 registered players — including over 700 women — the support in terms of funding, equipment, and visibility remains limited.

It’s important to note that ice hockey has deep historical roots in India. Introduced during the British era, Shimla remains one of the few cities in India with a natural ice rink and a legacy in winter sports. However, the sport never saw wide-scale growth until players in the remote terrains of Ladakh, Leh, and Spiti began taking it seriously and playing in adverse conditions.

The success of this team may well act as a catalyst. The win at the Asia Cup is not just a medal; it’s an awakening. It’s a reminder that talent exists even in the most secluded corners of the country, waiting for opportunity and support. With the bronze medal win, a generation of young girls in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and beyond can now dream of ice, speed, and the glory of international medals.

India’s story in ice hockey is still in its early chapters, but the determination shown by these brave women has already become a compelling narrative. With growing awareness, government backing, and sustained infrastructure development, there is no reason why India cannot emerge as a serious competitor in Asian women’s ice hockey.

The ice may be cold, but the fire in these women is blazing — and it has only just begun to melt the barriers.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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