India clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s Asia Cup held in Al-Ain, UAE by winning three out of their five matches. The team 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 on the sidelines.

The 20-member Indian squad included 19 players from Ladakh and one from Himachal Pradesh. Ten of these women represent the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), while nine hail from Leh. One athlete belonged to Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

Their win against hosts 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 an international event. 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 winning Indian ice hockey team. “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.”

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.

The Indian Ice Hockey Association, the governing body of the sport, was established in 1989 and has since been trying to promote 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.