HISTORIC BRONZE for our girls at the IIHF Asia Cup 2025

I recently heard the news about how the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup, despite facing incredible challenges and limited equipment. It’s no secret that players in our country have always struggled—historically, we haven’t been great at appreciating or supporting our athletes.

Yet, the team’s grit and determination shone through! They competed in Al-Ain, UAE, from May 31 to June 6, 2025, against five other nations, winning three out of five matches, including a thrilling shootout victory against Kyrgyzstan, to secure India’s first-ever medal in the tournament. With 19 players from Ladakh and one from Himachal Pradesh, they trained in sub-zero temperatures, often on makeshift rinks, with borrowed gear and minimal funding.

The team, led by captain Tsewang Chuskit and goalkeeper Dorjoy Dolma, who saved all seven shots in the crucial shootout, showed pure heart. Despite the lack of proper facilities and formal training, their historic win is a massive inspiration. It fills me with pride, and everyone who respects their dedication feels the same.

I hope in future things get better for upcoming generations.