Can We Cheer Without Funds? India's Women Ice Hockey Team Makes History

Leh (Ladakh) [India], June 15:  India’s women’s ice hockey team has brought home its first-ever medal from UAE. This win didn’t come from fancy stadiums or top-class coaching centres. Most of the players are from Ladakh, and many belong to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. These young women practised in freezing conditions, often using borrowed gear. For them, training wasn’t about facilities but about courage. And now, this small team has achieved something the whole country should be proud of.

Not Just a Match, But a Message

The win in UAE feels grand, but the real story lies in what this team overcame. In 2015, the team could not even afford travel costs and had to ask people for help through crowdfunding. Equipment was often borrowed, sometimes mismatched in size. These young women played through pain, struggle, and silence. This wasn’t just about ice hockey. It was about proving they mattered—even when the spotlight was missing. Their medal is not only metal, it's a message.

Why Is Ice Hockey Still Waiting For Attention?

Nearly 87% of sports sponsorships in India go only to cricket. That leaves very little for other sports, including ice hockey. Even after this historic win, major news channels hardly spoke about it. Compare that with the IPL, where even the toss gets headlines. If even a small part of that money and media support was given to sports like ice hockey, teams could rise with confidence, and India could shine brighter across more arenas.

Not Just Ladakh’s Team, But India’s Too

19 out of the 20 team members are from Ladakh. One player comes from Himachal Pradesh. These brave women stood strong under Coach Darrin Harrold, a Canadian who believed in their potential. But it raises a question—where are the rest of India's players? Should the national team be from only one region? Our country has talent in every corner, but it needs to be found, guided, and supported. For India to truly win, every state must have a seat at the table.

Let’s Look Beyond The Glamour of Cricket

Many feel cricket, especially IPL, has become more about show than skill.  If we keep giving attention and money to one game, others will always stay behind. It is time to build a sports culture where every sport, and every player, is respected—not just watched.