The men’s ice hockey team was approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to participate in the Asian Winter Games which will take place from 7 to 14 February 2025 in Harbin, China.
MYAS cleared the air about the participation of the men’s team after the advocacy by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). However, there is still uncertainty regarding the finalized team due to challenges like delayed approvals and trials conducted for finalizing the team.
Let’s find out more about the government clearance and team selection process along with the upcoming difficulties or expectations surrounding ice hockey in India.
Government Clearance and Team Selection Process
- Clearance Overview:
On Sunday the Sports Ministry approved and cleared the participation of the 23-member ice hockey team. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reached out to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to request fresh accreditation but was later refused, according to what the officials of the Winter Games mentioned, on condition of remaining anonymous.
As the registration meeting gets delegated for the Winter Games, the IOA awaits the final sanction of the contingent from the Sports Ministry.
The President of IOA, PT Usha made it evident to the ministry that due to the delay in financial sanctions and attempts to organize new selection trials by the government authorities, the IOA has planned to withdraw the participation of the Indian ice hockey team.
- Selection Process:
According to the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI), affiliated with the International Ice Hockey Association (IIHF) as well as the IOA, the final list has been confirmed and submitted in adherence to the guidelines of the IOA and IIHF and has already been sent to China.
Dr. PT Usha wrote a letter stating that the selection process for the final list of players was conducted in line with the standards laid down by the organizations. Names of the selected members have been entered into the registration list for the Winter Games, meeting all the official requirements, and were sent keeping in mind the deadline of 7 December 2024.
There is no way new names will be added to the system.
Dr. Usha also added, “…it is submitted that the team, as selected by the duly recognized NSF (National Sports Federation) of the IOA and IIHF, be cleared and financial sanction be accorded so that the IOA is enabled to make travel, clothing, and equipment arrangements,”
Despite this, a fresh selection trial was called in Leh to choose their preferred ice hockey athletes. The sports ministry issued a circular on 24 January asking ice hockey members to assemble for trials under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India due to disputes over lists from unrecognized bodies.
More information is available on Ice hockey betting sites for our readers to be informed about the Asian Winter Games 2025 and the core team members who will be finally playing for the Indian ice hockey team.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
- Challenges Ahead:
The Indian men’s ice hockey team witnesses uncertainty regarding their involvement in the Asian Winter Games. There is limited time for the selected members to prepare for the game after the final participation list is confirmed by the IOA.
An update with such short notice trials can potentially affect team dynamics and morale. Moreover, even after the names were sent to the organizers in November, there were disputes regarding which organization was officially recognized.
Dr. PT Usha wrote to the sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya that the Federation supervising ice hockey affairs and country, the Ice Hockey Association of India is a recognized organization by both the IOA and the global governing body, but another federation claims to be the official organization which was not recognized by the authority.
- Team and Venue Highlights:
The Indian sports authority has confirmed sending the men’s ice hockey team to China with the trials being held at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Sports Complex in Leh Ladakh on 25 January 2025. The following are the key players who are set to participate in the trials, showcasing the team’s readiness for the competition –
Abhimanyu Sharma, Chamba Tsetan, Chamba Lotus, Chetan Namgyal, Deskyong Namgyal, Dorjay Angchok, Deldan Namgyal, Gulam Mustafa, Lakdan Angchok, Jigmet Kunzang, Mohammad Ali Baba, Mohib Rehman Mir, Mohd. Ismail, Mushtaq Ahmed, Pranav Dogra, Nawang Zangpo, Rigzin Nurbu, Sonam Wangyal, Sajad Hussain, Stanzin Angchuk, Stanzin Largyal, Stanzin Lotus, Stanzin Chozang, Stanzin Namgyal, Tashi Namgail, Stanzin Phandey, Tsering Angchuk, Tsering Galpo, Tsering Angdus Baku, Tsewang Dorjay, Tsewang Namgyal, Tsewang Gyaltson, Wasim Bilal, and Tundup Namgail.
- Significance of Participation:
With the men’s ice hockey team representing India at an international level, the growth of the sport is bound to take place. The Asian Winter Games serves as a platform to highlight the rising capabilities of India in winter sports.
