Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team Triumphs with Bronze at IIHF Asia Cup
A Historic Achievement in Ice Hockey
New Delhi, August 13: In a sport that many doubted Indian women could participate in, let alone excel, the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey team has made a remarkable mark by clinching the Bronze medal at the IIHF Asia Cup.
Their journey, characterized by challenges, societal stereotypes, and unwavering determination, has become a source of inspiration for athletes nationwide, according to a recent announcement.
In June, the team secured third place at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup held in Al Ain, UAE. Their success story exemplifies bravery, resilience, and the breaking of barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
For players like Diskit C Angmo, the journey into ice hockey began by observing her brother play. She recalls, “I had no idea girls could even play hockey.” This curiosity sparked a movement, encouraging young women from Ladakh to defy entrenched societal norms.
Team captain Tsewang Chuskit recalls facing skepticism for participating in what was perceived as a “boy’s sport.” She recounts, “Some spectators questioned, ‘What are you doing playing with the boys? This isn’t a girl’s game.’” Instead of discouraging her, this only intensified her resolve. Diskit echoed her sentiment, stating, “It became more crucial to prove the world wrong than to prove myself right.”
The challenges extended beyond the audience. Assistant Coach Ali Amir noted, “People said, ‘You’re a girl; what will you play? You’ll get married and move to someone else’s house.’” Yet, these young women stood tall on the global stage, bringing pride to India.
Despite facing ridicule—comments like, “They go abroad just for fun,” and “They’re content with fourth place”—the team persevered. Padma Chorol expressed, “We weren’t satisfied with fourth. We gave it our all.”
Rigzin Yangdol articulated their struggle well: “To score a goal, we weren’t just competing against the opposition; we had to overcome the world.”
Rinchen Dolma’s return to the rink just five months after giving birth has become legendary. Facing remarks like, “You’re a mother now; go home,” she made a powerful statement by scoring a goal, declaring, “I’ll come here with my baby, and I’ll show you what scoring a goal really means.”
Assistant Coach Ali Amir, deeply moved by the team’s tenacity, shared, “When the national anthem played and our flag was raised, I felt an unparalleled pride. What I couldn’t achieve as a player, I accomplished as a coach—thanks to these remarkable women.”
Throughout their challenges, the team remained focused on their mission. Sonam Angmo summarized their spirit: “We’re playing for the country. Even when support was lacking, we stood firm. This medal is for everyone who believed in us.”
Their inspiring journey has gained wider recognition through 'Sound of Courage,' a tribute film by Pocket FM, India’s leading audio platform. The film showcases their determination, passion, and indomitable spirit—a story that deserves to be told.
From chilly outdoor rinks to the podium at the Asia Cup, India’s Ice Queens have demonstrated that courage is infectious, and that dreams pursued with passion can resonate far beyond the rink.