The Kargil based J&K Ice Hockey Association is organizing the first ever state Ice Hockey championship at Ice Skating Rink in Drass from 14thto 18th of February. As many as 10 teams from all provinces of the state including Kashmir, Jammu, Drass, Kargil, and Leh are expected to take part in this prestigious championship.
The teams from ITBP, Ladakh Winter Sports Club, SECMOL, Ladakh Scouts and Himalayan Winter Sports Club Drass are also taking part. The championship will be played on league cum know out pattern. Meanwhile, the training camps have started from Friday. The JKIHA is registered under the J&K Societies Registration Act. It was formed in 1994 but could not conduct the major sporting events due to paucity of funds and regional divide.
“The associationis now is in close touch with J&K State Sports Council for recognition of this fascinating sport. Ice Hockey is very popular in Ladakh region and efforts are afoot to popularize this sport in the entire state. The Himalaya Drass led by Muhammad Amin has been able to conduct many training and championships during this winter. They are leaving no stone unturned to promote and develop this sport, “ informed General Secretary, Amanullah.
In Kashmir some local enthusiasts have formed a provincial association in the name and style “Kashmir Ice Hockey Association” and is recognized by the JKIHA. The Kashmir Ice Hockey Association has formed an adhoc committee to give boost to this neglected sport in Kashmir. Mohammad Abbas Wani, MLA Gulmarg has been chosen its President, International skier Hafeeza Hassan as Secretary, National Roller Skating player Obaid Yousuf as Joint Secretary, and International Roller skater Firdous Khan as its Treasurer.
