As December settled in and the temperatures plummeted to a biting -19°C, Tundup Namgyal, former captain of the Indian men's ice hockey team, along with a dedicated team of over 22 volunteers from the Ice Hockey Association Ladakh, embarked on a formidable task. (More Sports News)
Together, they braved the harsh cold, working through the wee hours to set up the rink at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, Leh, the main venue of the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025.
Setting up the 30 x 60-meter rink is no small feat. The frigid temperatures ensure that the ice freezes quickly, but maint𓆏aining the rink remains an ongoing, meticulous job.
“This is the last year we'll be manually setting up and maintaining the rink," shares Namg𓆏yal, his breath visible in the freezing air. "By the end of this year, the rink will be fully automated with a chilling plant to maintain it year-round," he adds. This development will mark a milestone in Ladakh's growing infrastructure for winter sports.
The works on ground for t♒he construction of the rink started back in 2008-2009 when Ladakh was 𝓡a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, however financial constraints then, hindered its completion
Approved under various scheme𒁃s since 2008, the total cost for th𝕴e completion of the year-round functional rink is estimated at approximately INR 54.34 crores, including a chilling plant, customised to suit Ladakh's unique temperatures and altitude.
With the initial๊ delays, the UT Administration accelerated the progress o𓆏f the project.
Now in its final year of completion, the ice hockey rink, with a capacity to accommodate 5000 spectators, is gradually coming toಌ life, with the final stages of construction taking shape.
The roofing, installation of digital screens, lighting, VIP ga♔lleries and functional changing rooms have been completed this year, making the venue suitable for national events such as the KIWG.
“A year-round rink would give our players the opportunity to train and improve their skills consistently,” Namgyal explains. “It will also help them become accustomed to playing on artificial ice, the s✤tandard surface used in international competitions,” he adds.
The successful completion of the rink is💫 expected to further accelerate this v💮ision, attracting more attention and investment into the region.
In 𝕴the land of stupas and monasteries, ice hockey, ice skating and other winter sports are gaining popularity in the⛎ region. Local ponds and rivers, once frozen over, become popular spots for young and old alike to skate, offering a vibrant glimpse into Ladakh’s deep connection to winter sports.
With such facilities avai🍃lable year-round, these winter sports can be introduced to school children, allowing kids to grow up learning and excelling at home-grown winter sports.
In a short span of just about two months before the ice starts to melt, the rink remains occupied, hosting local tournaments such as the LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship, the CEC Cup Ice Hockey Championship and the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, with the Khelo India Winter Games in line
As the sun sets and the players leave behind a battered and worn rink, Tundup 🌳and his team take command ♒again.
