Detailed Project Report
Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul Spiti
1. General Introduction
Ice Hockey is among the most popular winter sports played across the world. It is the fastest
sports played on solid ice with a puck and stick. Considering its pace and swiftness, it attracts
considerable excitement and enthusiasm among players and spectators alike.
Unlike regular hockey, Ice Hockey is played on ice rink which was originally adopted and
implemented in North America, where there are natural icy conditions. In the beginning, Ice
Hockey was played on frozen rivers, lakes and ponds with the players using local scraps like
metals, pvc pipes and tin sheets strapped to their boots.
Apart from a huge winter amusement, it has considerable health benefits. It helped keep
body warm during harsh winters while engaging youth in creative fields.
Ice Hockey is fully recognized and played in many countries while 54 counties under Men’s
category and 40 countries under women’s category are already registered under International
Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and is a major winter sport under International Olympic
Committee. The Ice Hockey rink is also utilized for other Winter Olympics sports like Speed
skating, figure skating and curling.
Teams registered under International Ice Hockey Federation
Full Members
Associate Members
Affiliate Members
2. Ice Hockey in India
The Indian Himalayas provide the natural conditions for winter sports including Ice Hockey.
Ice hockey is rapidly gaining popularity in India and is already being played in places like Ladakh,
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and other Himalayan regions in
northern India. Ice hockey enthusiasts from other places in the country, as well as expatriates
from abroad, head to the Himalayan region for the experience of playing in some of the highest
rinks in the world.
Ice Hockey playing regions
The India National Men’s Ice Hockey team started representing India at international level
on a regular basis since 2009 while the India National Women’s Ice Hockey team has been
representing India at international level since 2016 on a regular basis.
Awards and recognition:
1. The India National Men’s Ice Hockey team won silver medal in the 2017 International Ice
Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia - Division I, Kuwait
2. The India National Women’s Ice Hockey team won the Bronze medal in the 2019
International Ice Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia - Division I, Dubai
India has hosted the International Ice Hockey Federation Challenge Cup of Asia 2012 at
Doon Ice Rink in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Ice Hockey is presently being led by the Ice Hockey Association of India and is being
regularly organized under Khelo India Winter Games. The Ice Hockey Association of India also
organizes Under-20 Championship, National Men’s Championship and National Women’s
Championship as well as Learn to Play camps every year.
Despite its popularity and supportive natural conditions, Ice Hockey has not been able to
reach its desired status because of the persistent challenges and lack of adequate support to the
sport. Lack of all-weather ice rink, quality and first-hand equipment and financial support to
players has deterred the proper growth of the sport.
4,580
5,210
5,384
6,915
7,000
7,106
7,670
8,162
10,353
11,394
18,837
21,340
21,667
27,867
55,431
64,641
112,236
121,613
567,908
621,026
ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS - 2018-19
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ICE HOCKEY RINKS
Outdoor
24
215
42
35
48
111
58
12
71
28
117
9
117
50
200
8
213
197
218
45
274
53
360
136
2,710
612
500
1,535
3,300
5,000
Indoor
India has less than ____players affiliated under IIHF. All the rinks in India are outdoor rinks.
Ice Hockey is presently a seasonal sport in India when the winters provide natural condition to
play the sport in frozen lakes, ponds and artificial rinks. However, considering its growing
popularity and enthusiasm among the youths, the sport is destined to become one of the major
winter games, providing India a window of opportunity into Winter Olympics as well.
3. Brief introduction about Lahaul and Spiti
Lahaul & Spiti is the largest district of the state of Himachal Pradesh which average elevation
of 4,270 m (14,010 ft). Surrounded by majestic mountains, blue waters, high mountain passes
and massive glaciers, it remains under sub-zero temperatures for around five months in a year.
This provides an excellent condition for supporting winter sports, especially Ice Hockey and
associated sports.
3.1 Introduction of ice skating and ice hockey in Lahaul and Spiti:
Until 2018, the children of Lahaul and Spiti used to skate in random spots wherever they could find solid
ice, with metal scraps and PVC pipes strapped to their shoes. However, the region was still unaware of
the world of ice skating and ice hockey as professional international sports.
In December 2019, despite numerous challenges and shortcomings, a bold step was taken to introduced
the sport formally in the region. In association with the Ladakh Women Ice Hockey Foundation, the
Department of Youth Services and Sports, Spiti organized the first ever Basic Ice Skating/ Ice Hockey
Coaching camp for 10 days. Three players from India National Women’s Ice Hockey team were invited to
coach the first batch of 45 students. However, looking at the enthusiasm, 4 more such camps had to be
organized, in which a total of ______students were trained.
Finally, 7 students were selected for advanced training to be conducted in Leh, Ladakh. The Department
of Youth Service and Sports, Spiti sponsored the trip entirely. In Leh, the children got a first-hand
experience of the sport when they watched the game live. In a span of 10 days, the children received
training from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police while they also got an opportunity to participate in ice
climbing challenge.
BOYS VS G I RLS PA RT I CI PAT I O N RAT I O
Girls
2
5
50
70
Boys
BASIC CAMP
ADVANCED CAMP
Overall, the attempt not only infused unprecedented enthusiasm for the sport, but also brought the
message back home, loud and clear, Lahaul and Spiti can become the hub for ice skating and ice hockey
in India and the Himalayan region.
3.2 Basic Ice Skating/ Ice Hockey Coaching camp – 2019-20
Despite the surge in Covid-19 cases all over the world, Spiti was ready to warm-up on solid ice. This year,
apart from the children, even the Dogra Scouts participated in the training camps. Department of Youth
Services and Sports along with the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) introduced the Learn to Play
camps. A total of 223 children from all over Spiti participated in the camp. Unfortunately, due to the
Covid-19 situation, participation from Lahaul couldn’t be achieved. A national coach affilicated under
IHAI was invited to coach the players in Spiti.
A total of 6 separate camps were organized over a span of 2 months under Learn to Play to provide basic
ice skating and ice hockey training. A team of 15 players were finally selected to participate in the
National Ice Hockey Championship held in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The team under women’s category bagged
the bronze medal. This was a very proud moment for not only Spiti, but entire state of Himachal
Pradesh. The win, in just a span of two years, spread faith and confidence among the players and an
opportunity to see their future in ice hockey.
BOYS VS G I RLS PA RT I C I PAT I O N RAT I O
Girls
7
8
60
120
Boys
BASIC CAMP
ADVANCED CAMP
Age-wise Participants
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
4. Problems/ Challenges:
a. Economics: Ice skating despite being a very promising sport is resource intensive. It requires support
both in terms of capital and revenue costs. The estimated capital cost is around Rs 10 Crore while the
revenue cost is around 70 lakh per annum.
ANNUAL BUDGET
S. No.
1
Particulars
Rink Preparation and Maintanence
Unit Price
Nos. of Unit
Total Amount
Reg. Water Sprayer
200
90 days
18,000
Snow Remover
200
9 x 2hr x 10 persons
36,000
Rink cleaner
100
90 days x 2 persons
18,000
motor + electricity bill
HDPE Pipe (32mm)
100,000
300
1
300 mtrs
100,000
90,000
2
Equipments
(skates and Gears)
70,000
20
1,400,000
3
Development Camp organisation
by IHAI ( Venue - Gulmerg or Leh)
45,000
20
900,000
4
International Development Camp organised by IIHF in collaboration with
IHAI (depending upon venue)
70,000
4
280,000
Mens
35,500
20
710,000
Women
35,500
20
710,000
U/20 Boy
35,500
20
710,000
U/20 Girl
35,500
20
710,000
5
Nationals events mainly for 7 days
6
Learn to play program at club levels (Initially to support 8 clubs)
100,000
8
800,000
7
Engagement of coaches (National/International)
250,000
2
500,000
Total
b. Infrastructure: Quality infrastructure provide the most fertile ground for the flowering of any sports.
In case of Ice Hockey, without proper ice rinks, the sport can hardly be learnt. Last year, Spiti took a bold
step to introduce ice skating and ice hockey despite multiple challenges and shortcomings.
The cemented court for lawn-tennis was converted into a temporary ice rink. Without proper
technical knowhow and necessary equipment, the rink was prepared with shear traditional knowledge
and experience. Around _____ manpower was used for _____ days to complete a rink of size ____ by
____. At around 2:00 am in the mid-night when the temperatures dip below -20°C, a crew of 5 members
had to come every-night to the rink to spray water for the construction of the rink. Despite lots of
hardship and challenges, the team was able to complete the rink and spread lots of smile, laughter and
excitement in youths and adults alike.
6,982,000
This year, even though the team constructed two separate ice rinks, it proved to be insufficient
to cater to the number of participants and enthusiasts who wanted to learn the sport.
c. Water issues: Due to sub-zero temperatures, most of the water is in frozen condition during winters.
Dearth of proper equipment and facilities make it more challenging to pump and spread water over the
rink. Frequent power-cuts and breakdown of water pump lead to quick freezing of water in the pipes
and hence the rink has to prepared by carrying buckets of water from long distances.
d. Remoteness: Due to geographical remoteness of the region, the market is not sufficiently empowered
or effective to support any large-scale winter sports event. Even though many children are interested to
learn the sport and participate in it, lack of transport and accommodation facilities make it very
challenging.
e. Equipment: Apart from being the fastest sport, it is also a high risk-prone sport. Earlier, the kids used
to strap metal sheets or PVC pipes to their shoes and skate. However, on ice rink, not only such practices
are ineffective but extremely dangerous.
Quality skates, safety gears, stick and puck are the basic minimum to ensure that the players can learn
the game with safety. The number of sport equipment is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the
participant and hence one skate has to be shared between _____ kids with each kid getting an average
skating time of ________ a day.
f. Qualified trainers: If a sport is practiced without proper guidance and coaching, chances are that a
player may pick up wrong techniques and strategies that might be very difficult to amend later-on.
Hence it is very crucial that the kids learn the sport under expert and qualified trainers from a very early
stage. Without proper incentive, trainers are difficult to bring on a regular and sustainable basis.
g. Off-ice infrastructure and logistics: On and off-arena practice are equally important for a wellgroomed player. Lack of off-ice infrastructure and logistics like gym, roller skate creates impediment to
the holistic physical, mental and emotional development of a player. With proper off-ice support
facilities, national and international level players can be cultivated.
h. Awareness related to ice hockey: In a country where cricket has achieved the status of religion, Ice
Hockey is still an esoteric practice. Not many are aware that India has a National Ice Hockey team in
both men’s and women’s category. In the Himalayan region, wherever conditions are inducive, kids are
more interested in winter sports like ice skating and ice hockey rather than any other sports.
Even, the sport is unheard of in the government corridors. With hardly any government support or
recognition and not being included under the sports quota, is a discouraging factor for the players.
5. About the Society:
Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul Spiti (IHALS) is a non-profit organization established under Societies
Registration Act, 1860, to provide a platform for training and organizing Ice Hockey and Ice Skating
championships and to promote players to make representation at national and international levels.
The aims and objectives of the association are as follows:
a. To encourage and promote physical fitness, character and spirit of adventure among all genders
through Ice Hockey and Ice Skating.
b. To promote, develop, regulate, organize Ice Hockey and Ice Skating training events and
championships in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
c. To hold various competitions among all genders (both senior and junior) as may be decided by the
IHALS.
d. To organize and hold coaching and training courses, camps for participants, referees and coaches for
promotion of the Ice Hockey and Ice Skating.
e. To arrange and sponsor participation of regional, State, National and other teams in the International
competitions.
f. To arrange representation of the IHSAS at State, National and International championships and
tournaments.
g. To ensure the welfare of the players associated with Ice Hockey and Ice-Skating games.
h. To provide latest rules and regulations of professional Ice Hockey and Ice-Skating sports.
i. To strive for the rationalization of Govt. aid to the players and to work for the healthy growth of better
players.
j. To promote, organize and sponsor centers for training in different regions of Spiti.
6. Benefits to the Sponsor/ Donor:
a. Indian presence in Winter Olympics: India has hardly had any presence in Winter Olympics despite
having natural conditions as well as talents to support winter games. However, ice skating and ice
hockey are among the fastest growing sports that are gaining popularity in the Himalayan region.
Despite many challenges and obstacles, India National Ice Hockey team, in both categories, are
representing India at the international level.
However, all the players presently in the National Team are from Ladakh. The kind of progress
displayed by the players from Lahaul & Spiti within two years gives tremendous hope that the National
Team shall soon have players from Himachal Pradesh. Supporting and sponsoring a National player
should be a matter of tremendous pride and honour for any institute.
b. Equity-based participation: Ice skating and ice hockey are spreading like wildfire across the Himalayan
region. Every year, hundreds of children are joining the sport. In no time, the sport is likely to assume a
major sport status with participants from across the country. In regions like Ladakh, where the sport is
very popular, club teams from countries like Canada also participate in local tournaments. With a
breathtaking scenic beauty and rising popularity of winter tourism, the sport is likely to attract
unprecedented participant from all over the country.
Sports, as in this case as well, acts as a major breaker of gender as well as poverty barriers.
Children from underprivileged background as well as girls stand shoulder-to-shoulder to other players
and get a ticket to escape the social and economic barriers. Supporting a cause as noble as this will only
add brand value to the organization.
c. Engaging youths in creative fields: The problem of drugs and alcohol consumption is becoming a huge
problem among youths, especially during idle winter months. Not only does it create social problems
but also leads to emotional and physical issues. Winter sports like ice skating and ice hockey can become
a potential game-changer in the region, bringing out the best of the youth.
d. Associated with the brand-image of the region: With the kind of popularity and wide participation
base, the sport is poised to become a major highlight and reputation of the region. Getting associated
with the sport is being associated with the region and its people.
e. Economics of the region: The success of the sport will have major positive spin-offs for the region. The
economic face of the region can be transformed because of winter tourism.
7. Kinds of sponsorship:
1. Title sponsor: Based on the amount of economic support, the biggest donor/ sponsor shall be named
as the title sponsor for the team. The title sponsor shall have the maximum visibility in every event and
tournament organized by the association.
2. Platinum-sponsor:
3. Gold-Sponsor:
4. Silver-sponsor:
5. Sponsor an event:
6. Sponsor a player: