Leh, Sept 19: In a significant step toward the development of Ice Hockey in India, particularly in Ladakh, a prominent delegation representing various Ice Sports Organizations of India, led by Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, President of the Ice Hockey Federation of India, Namgyal Angchuk Gyapo, the president and P.T. Kunzang General Secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh today met Secretary Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi (IAS) in New Delhi.
During the meeting the delegation highlighted a series of pressing demands aimed at addressing critical issues in the development of Ice Hockey in India.
The delegation raised several crucial concerns which included ‘lack of recognition for Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh’. They highlighted the sidelining of the officially registered UT Level Ice Hockey Association in Ladakh, the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh (IHAL), during the organization of the National Ice Hockey Championship held in Leh last year. They emphasized that Ladakh possesses immense potential and talent in Ice Hockey, yet the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) has failed to provide adequate support and representation, limiting opportunities for young players from the region.
The delegation expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in key areas of the Ice Hockey Association of India, including fund management. They called for close scrutiny of financial transactions and funding allocation to ensure fairness and integrity within the association.
The delegation called for a transparent and unbiased process for nominating and appointing individuals to influential positions within the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). They emphasized the importance of eliminating favoritism and nepotism to promote meritocracy and growth in ice hockey, particularly in Ladakh.
The delegation raised concerns about alleged divisive practices within the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI), which have created divisions within the ice hockey community in Ladakh. They stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among various ice hockey associations for the sport’s progress in the region.
In response to these concerns, the delegation formally announced the establishment of the Ice Hockey Federation of India, registered and based in Leh, with the support of more than five states. This new body aims to ensure transparency and professional development within the Ice Hockey community in the country.
The delegation urges for immediate intervention and support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to address these pressing issues.
The delegation looks forward to a positive resolution that will pave the way for the growth and success of the sport in the country.
