Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Chandigarh Men’s Team Stuns Ladakh to Reach First-Ever Ice Hockey Final
The Chandigarh men’s ice hockey team has rewritten the script at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, emerging as the surprise package of the tournament. In a thrilling semi-final encounter on Friday night, Chandigarh defeated favourites Ladakh 3–2 to qualify for their maiden KIWG ice hockey final. The historic victory has made Chandigarh the talk of the ice hockey-loving community in Ladakh and beyond.
The stunning comeback win not only earned Chandigarh massive local support but also highlighted how players from the plains are successfully adapting their in-line hockey skills to ice hockey. Much like roller skaters transition to ice skating, young hockey players in India are now switching from wooden or concrete surfaces to ice rinks. In-line hockey is played on wheels, while ice hockey requires blades, but both formats demand speed, stamina, sharp skills, and strong defensive awareness.
Unlike teams from Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, which enjoy natural ice surfaces and frozen ponds, teams from regions such as Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana face major challenges due to the lack of ice rinks. These teams primarily train in in-line hockey and only get limited opportunities to practice on ice ahead of national events like the Khelo India Winter Games. Chandigarh’s victory over Ladakh is therefore considered extra special, especially since the team started playing ice hockey only in 2025.
Chandigarh head coach Gaurav Raheja described the win as a historic moment. He said the team went into the match focused only on delivering their best performance. The effort of every player and the support from the crowd made the achievement unforgettable, calling it a rare opportunity to be part of history.
Saturday brought double celebrations for Chandigarh as the women’s team clinched the bronze medal by defeating Himachal Pradesh 4–3 in extra time. According to Raheja, that victory boosted the morale of the men’s team and strengthened their belief.
Team captain Unnatveer Singh said the lack of an ice rink in Chandigarh forces players to travel to Dehradun for weekend practice sessions, which are often affected by academic and personal commitments. Despite financial constraints, the team remains fully dedicated to the sport.
Goalkeeper Ujjawal Pratap Singh Matharu said the team learned valuable lessons from their earlier struggles at the Khelo India Winter Games and prepared much better for KIWG 2026. He praised Ladakh’s natural speed on ice and credited parents and coaches for providing crucial financial and emotional support.
On Republic Day, Chandigarh will face defending champions Army in the final. Army captain Tsewang Namgail acknowledged Chandigarh’s skill, speed, and mindset, stating that the final will be an honourable and competitive contest.