India’s women’s ice hockey team won a historic bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup, which was held in Al-Ain, UAE. This is the country’s first podium result in international women’s ice hockey. Of the 20-member squad, 19 were from Ladakh and one from Himachal Pradesh. India won three of five matches against six competing countries, defeating Malaysia, the UAE, and Kyrgyzstan.
The tournament’s evolution mirrors the sport’s expanding popularity, having progressed from the Women’s Asian Challenge Cup to the Asia-Oceania Championship and now the Ice Hockey Asia Games. Captain Tsewang Chuskit emphasised Ladakh’s strong ice hockey culture, despite the fact that the sport is relatively unknown in the rest of India.
Despite restricted facilities and training time, the team was able to practise for 20 days at the newly restored Dehradun rink. Rinchen Dolma, former captain, emphasised the critical necessity for year-round infrastructure and competent instruction.
Regardless of their achievements, the participants emphasised their struggle for attention and resources. The Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Foundation, which was established to address the gender gap in the sport, has expanded its reach to Himachal Pradesh, boosting coaching and equipment access.
