In Ladakh's harsh winters, ice hockey isn't just a sport—it's a cherished tradition. As temperatures drop and lakes freeze over, locals create natural ice rinks by pouring water to smooth the surfaces, transforming ponds and lakes into perfect arenas for the game.
Unlike most sports complexes that rely on artificial ice rinks, Ladakh stands out for its natural ones. Ice hockey here is deeply rooted in the community, offering not only entertainment but also a cultural connection during the cold months. The sport thrives as a community-driven activity, bringing people together and showcasing the region's winter charm.
The second season of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, which started on Thursday, continues to celebrate Ladakh's favorite winter sport. For players like Diskit Angmo, a member of the Indian women’s ice hockey team since 2016, the game has been a part of life since childhood.
"We have a three-month winter shutdown where schools and activities are closed. Ice hockey or skating were the only sports we played during winters," Angmo shared during the inaugural Journeying Across the Himalayas festival in December.
Climate change threatens the tradition
While ice hockey is gaining popularity, it faces a significant threat from global warming. Rising temperatures are reducing snowfall and shrinking the icy surfaces necessary for the game.
Between 1951 and 2014, Ladakh’s winter temperatures rose by 1.3°C, leading to less snowfall and retreating glaciers, according to a 2021 report by Hindustan Times. A 2024 study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) also reported below-average snow persistence in the region, further highlighting the climate crisis.
"If there’s no ice, there’s no sport," Angmo said, emphasizing the sport’s complete dependence on natural ice conditions.
Padma Chorol, another member of the women’s team, echoed these concerns. "Early December wasn’t even cold. The season is shrinking, and snowfall is scarce. Where should we practice? Ice hockey will be the first sport endangered by climate change," she lamented.
Balancing growth and sustainability
Most ice hockey players in Ladakh juggle full-time jobs with their passion for the sport, working in fields like the army, NGOs, or local businesses. However, the worsening climate crisis has made the dream of pursuing ice hockey as a career seem increasingly unrealistic.
Royal Enfield, which supports the development of ice hockey in Ladakh, recognizes the challenge. "The glaciers are melting, and the season is shrinking," said Bidisha Dey, executive director of Royal Enfield’s CSR arm. "We’re working to build climate resilience while supporting the sport."
Shiva Kesavan, a six-time Olympian and former president of the Olympians Association of India (OAI), believes India can do more to develop winter sports.
Citing Iceland's independent sports infrastructure and Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2029 Winter Asian Games, Kesavan said, "If they can do it, we have 3,000 km of Himalayas and millions of people in these regions. We must invest more in zone-specific development."
With upcoming events like the Harbin Games 2025 and Milano Cortina 2026, Kesavan remains hopeful about India’s future in winter sports but stresses that more support is needed for athletes to compete on the global stage.
Ice hockey in Ladakh symbolizes both the region’s rich culture and the looming threat of climate change. Without significant efforts to address environmental challenges, this beloved winter tradition could soon become a thing of the past.
Follow us
