India's U18 Ice Hockey Team Prepares for Asia Cup in Kyrgyzstan
Upcoming IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Asia Cup
The IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 27 to May 3. Competing teams include India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Macau, China.
Team India's Arrival and Leadership
Team India has arrived in Bishkek for the tournament, coinciding with a growing interest in Indian ice hockey as new talent emerges on the international scene. The team will be captained by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, with Devansh Sharma and Iftiqar Hussain serving as alternate captains. The squad features a strong representation from Chandigarh and Ladakh, along with players from various other states, as noted in a press release from the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI).
Significance of the Tournament
For this group of players, the tournament in Bishkek represents more than just another competition; it is a crucial test on the junior international circuit. The U18 campaign comes at a time when Indian ice hockey is gaining significant momentum. In 2025, the Indian women's team achieved a historic bronze medal at the IIHF Women's Asia Cup in Al Ain, marking the country's first international medal in the sport and elevating ice hockey's profile nationally, including a feature on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Previously, the men's team secured silver at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I and recently participated in the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. Additionally, the reopening of the Himadri Ice Rink and the establishment of the India Ice Hockey League have contributed to the sport's growth and visibility in the country.
Statements from the General Secretary
"The past year has been monumental for Indian ice hockey. Our women's team clinched bronze at the Asia Cup, the men's team competed in the Asian Winter Games, the Himadri Ice Rink reopened, and we launched the India Ice Hockey League. This has generated significant momentum for the sport. Now, the U18 boys have their chance to shine, making this an exciting time for us. The diverse representation from various states indicates the sport's growth, and the IIHF U18 Asia Cup offers them valuable exposure that could shape their future," stated Harjinder Singh, General Secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of India.
Sponsorship for the Team
For their campaign in the Asia Cup, the team has partnered with SS Group, a real estate developer based in Delhi-NCR. Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO of SS Group, expressed that this collaboration reflects the increasing momentum surrounding Indian ice hockey and the potential of its upcoming players.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament approaches, India hopes that the U18 team can capitalize on the current momentum and deliver a commendable performance on the continental stage.