In Ladakh, where winters routinely plunge temperatures below freezing and sport is shaped as much by geography as by passion, ice hockey has evolved from a recreational activity on frozen ponds into a structured competitive ecosystem. Few individuals have witnessed and contributed to that transformation as closely as Chamba Tsetan, one of the region’s most experienced players and grassroots advocates for the sport.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 semi-finals, Chamba reflected on a journey that mirrors the broader growth trajectory of Indian ice hockey. For him, the sport has never simply been about competition.
“I think it’s a part of my life. This sport has given me lots of opportunities. It has made me who I am today,” he said during the interaction.
When Chamba began playing ice hockey, access to even the most basic equipment was a challenge. Unlike conventional sports in India, ice hockey gear was not commercially available in domestic markets. Early players depended heavily on volunteers and charitable organisations from Europe and North America, who recognised Ladakh’s natural potential for winter sport and began donating used equipment.
Foreign tourists visiting Ladakh during winter months also played a surprising role in the sport’s early development. Observing frozen water bodies suitable for play, they helped initiate small-scale programmes and partnerships that introduced structured training to local youth. Over time, the Indian Army and local associations stepped in, providing logistical support and enabling rural participation.
These interventions gradually opened pathways for Indian players to participate in international tournaments such as the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, inspiring younger athletes by demonstrating that representing the country in winter sport was a realistic aspiration rather than a distant dream.
The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Effect
The advent of franchise-style competitions like the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League has marked a significant turning point. While Ladakh has hosted informal and community-driven ice hockey tournaments for decades, structured leagues have introduced an organised competitive environment that prioritises long-term development.
The current season features participation from multiple rural teams, providing exposure to players who might otherwise struggle to access elite-level competition. Notably, institutional sides such as the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are not part of the tournament, allowing emerging local teams greater opportunities to compete and grow.
“This is a very good development tournament. Of course, there is a competition element, but more important is development because it’s just starting,” Chamba noted.
Parallel initiatives such as learn-to-play programmes conducted across Ladakh’s villages since 2017 have further strengthened grassroots participation, with organisations like the Ice Hockey Association of India collaborating with local winter sports clubs to expand outreach.
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Ice hockey’s appeal lies partly in its complexity a fast-paced blend of skating, stick work and tactical awareness. Chamba describes it as a sport that demands constant engagement, where fatigue management and rapid player rotations maintain intensity throughout a match.
“It’s a sport you can’t really take your eyes off. The speed is very high,” he explained.
Despite its origins in North America and Europe, knowledge exchange through visiting coaches and international tournaments has enabled Indian players to adapt global training methodologies to Ladakh’s unique playing conditions, particularly natural ice surfaces that differ significantly from artificial rinks.
Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Opportunity
India’s growing investment in winter sports infrastructure including the establishment of year-round rinks could reshape the training calendar for athletes traditionally limited to seasonal play. Off-season preparation now increasingly includes strength and conditioning programmes, off-ice shooting drills and participation in complementary sports such as football or table tennis to improve coordination and stamina.
Chamba believes the next phase of growth will depend on replicating cricket’s structured ecosystem with formalised pathways from grassroots to elite competition.
“With a population of 1.4 billion, there is huge potential. There are so many hidden talents,” he said, adding that ice hockey already commands cricket-like enthusiasm within Ladakh.
Beyond competition, initiatives such as Pond Hockey played on natural frozen water bodies aim to foster community participation while minimising environmental impact. By bringing retired players and children onto the same playing surface, the format promotes inclusivity and reconnects the sport with its traditional roots.
The initiative also aligns with broader sustainability goals, emphasising low-energy sporting practices in ecologically sensitive Himalayan environments.
Since 2017, Chamba has actively contributed to coaching and development programmes in rural villages, focusing on introducing young players to the sport. While he admits that international training opportunities earlier in his career might have accelerated his development, his current priority lies in expanding access for the next generation.
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When asked how it feels to inspire younger players, his response was characteristically grounded: “Of course it feels good. But they can be a lot better than me. I hope they don’t stop there.”
As Indian ice hockey continues its gradual transition from informal pastime to structured competitive sport, figures like Chamba remain central to ensuring that growth at the elite level is matched by opportunity at the grassroots a balance that may ultimately determine the sport’s long-term sustainability in the country.
