Leh (Ladakh), Jan 25 (NationPress) In a truly unexpected turn of events, the Chandigarh men's ice hockey team has captured the hearts of ice hockey enthusiasts in Ladakh. In a nail-biting semifinal on Friday night, Chandigarh surprised the heavily favored Ladakh team with a score of 3-2, propelling them into their inaugural KIWG ice hockey final.

This comeback not only garnered them a multitude of local supporters but also showcased how young athletes from the plains are effectively translating their in-line hockey skills onto the ice.

Just as roller skaters transition to ice and figure skating, ice hockey in India is witnessing a shift where young talents are moving from hard wooden or concrete surfaces to ice. In-line hockey, played on wheels, and ice hockey, which uses blades, both require speed, endurance, and a mastery of scoring and defending.

While athletes in locations like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh benefit from access to ice rinks and frozen ponds, teams from Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana face challenges. Many of these teams engage in in-line hockey and then practice on ice before national events like the Khelo India Winter Games. Therefore, Chandigarh’s unexpected triumph against Ladakh is particularly remarkable, considering they only started playing ice hockey in 2025.

Chandigarh's head coach Gaurav Raheja expressed his joy after the victory over Ladakh: “Before the match against Ladakh, our focus was solely on performance and giving our best. However, the way each player performed, combined with the crowd's support, pushed us to succeed. Opportunities to make history are rare, and today, Chandigarh created its own,” Raheja told SAI Media.

Chandigarh experienced double happiness on Saturday, as their women’s team clinched the ice hockey bronze medal by defeating Himachal Pradesh 4-3 in extra time. This win inspired the men’s team, according to Raheja. “Their victory instilled belief in us, motivating our boys to succeed. This day will be etched in the memories of Chandigarh, the Chandigarh Sports Department, and our Ice Hockey Federation forever,” Raheja added.

“The 2025 Khelo India Winter Games marked our initial foray into ice hockey. Due to the absence of an ice rink in Chandigarh, we have limited opportunities to practice. We travel to Dehradun on weekends, but not all team members can join due to academic and other obligations. We manage to train whenever we can. Hockey is our passion; financial constraints don’t deter us. I’m eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s match against Army and am determined to give my best,” stated Chandigarh team captain Unnatveer Singh to SAI Media.

Team Chandigarh has shown remarkable adaptability. “During the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, we were merely learning to adjust to the ice. Although we didn’t perform well, the experience was invaluable. For KIWG 2026, we have prepared more thoroughly and engaged in more effective practice sessions. During the semifinal, I felt no nerves—only excitement to perform before such a large crowd,” shared goalkeeper Ujjawal Pratap Singh Matharu with SAI Media.

“I greatly respect the Ladakh team for their speed and natural ice performance. This victory is not solely mine; it belongs to the entire team. Our parents and coaches have been instrumental, providing financial support for our equipment,” Matharu added.

Monday, Republic Day, promises to be significant for Chandigarh. Facing the formidable Army will be an honor, but Chandigarh is resolute in their determination to not back down. The Army, as the defending champions, is taking no chances.

“We embrace the unexpected, and we are prepared for both outcomes. Chandigarh's skill and mindset align perfectly, and they are a rapid team. They truly showcased their best against Ladakh, and we must appreciate their performance. Competing against them will be a privilege,” noted Tsewang Namgail, the captain of the Indian Army.