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As India marks its 77th Republic Day, it is an opportune moment to showcase the remarkable advancements in ice hockey within the nation. A significant transformation is taking place, spearheaded by the Ladakh Scouts, a specialized mountain infantry unit of the Indian Army. Currently, the first segment of the sixth edition of the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) is taking place in Leh, Ladakh, featuring ice hockey and ice skating events. The Army's representatives, particularly the Ladakh Scouts, are demonstrating their prowess in this competition.

A Mission Beyond Medals

On Republic Day, the Army will face off against the unexpected finalists from Chandigarh in the men's championship. However, their contributions extend far beyond just winning medals. Their primary goal is to promote ice hockey across India, aiming to spread the sport beyond the snowy terrains of Leh into the plains and coastal regions.

The Birth of a Movement

Although precise records are scarce, it is believed that the Ladakh Scouts began their ice hockey journey in the late 1970s, initially playing for enjoyment without proper facilities or equipment. It wasn't until the late 1980s that they began to take the sport more seriously, creating natural ice rinks and acquiring costly gear, which can now reach up to Rs 4 lakh per player.

In 2000, they were officially established as a full infantry unit, which further intensified their commitment to ice hockey.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Currently, India has only two Olympic-sized artificial ice rinks, located in Dehradun and Leh (within the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium). Captain Parth Jagtap, a member of the Army team participating in the 2026 KIWG, emphasized the need for more rinks nationwide to popularize ice hockey. He stated, "The sport is primarily limited to Leh, and expanding it to other regions is essential for its growth."

Captain Jagtap, who received the Distinguished Award for Outstanding Sports and Academic Achievements last year in Mumbai, praised Khelo India's contributions, noting that increased media coverage has raised awareness about ice hockey and its potential in India.

Financial Hurdles and Corporate Support

Building an ice rink is a costly endeavor, with basic rinks costing around Rs 15 crore. An indoor stadium that accommodates up to 5,000 spectators can range from Rs 40-50 crore. Such substantial investments require corporate sponsorship. The Ladakh Scouts have reportedly proposed involving major corporations like Reliance, Adani, and Tata to help transform the ice hockey scene in India.

Going Above and Beyond

While soldiers are primarily tasked with border security, they often take on additional responsibilities, exemplifying their commitment. Ice hockey serves as a prime example of this dedication. Last year, the Ladakh Scouts provided crucial last-minute funding for the national women's team, which ultimately led to India securing its first bronze medal at the IIHF Women's Asia Cup in the UAE.

These actions clearly demonstrate that the Ladakh Scouts, known as the Snow Leopards or Snow Warriors, are serious about their mission. They are optimistic that their efforts will soon position India as a notable contender in the global ice hockey arena.