The come-from-behind victory not only won them thousands of local fans but it also highlighted how youngsters from the plains are utilising their in-line hockey skills on ice rinks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Like how roller skaters switch to ice and figure skating, hockey in India is also seeing youngsters \u2018converting\u2019 from hard wooden or concrete surfaces to ice. In-line hockey is played on wheels while ice-skaters use blades. Both versions involve pace, stamina and skills to score and defend.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While players in regions like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh have the luxury of ice surfaces and frozen ponds, teams like Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Telangana are not so fortunate. Most of them play in-line hockey and then train on ice surfaces ahead of events like Khelo India Winter Games or similar national events. Chandigarh\u2019s upset win against Ladakh thus makes it extra-special. And they started playing ice hockey only in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chandigarh\u2019s head coach Gaurav Raheja was ecstatic after the triumph against Ladakh. \u201cBefore the match (vs Ladakh), we were only playing for performance and thinking only about giving our best. But the way each and every player played, and with the crowd cheering for us, we did it. You only get a few chances in life to be part of history leave alone writing it and Chandigarh did that today. We wrote history today,\u201d said Raheja to SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
There was double joy for Chandigarh on Saturday. Their women won the ice-hockey bronze medal defeating Himachal Pradesh 4-3 in extra time. That win spurred the men\u2019s team, said Raheja. \u201cBecause of them, we believed we could do it. That belief inspired our boys, and they did it too. This day will be remembered by Chandigarh, the Chandigarh Sports Department, and our Ice Hockey Federation for a lifetime,\u201d said Raheja.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 2025 Khelo India Winter Games was our first experience of playing hockey on ice. We don\u2019t get many chances to practice ice hockey because we don\u2019t have an ice rink in Chandigarh. We travel to Dehradun on weekends to practice, but even then, not all team members can join due to college and other commitments. So we take turns and practice whenever possible. Hockey is our life. We don\u2019t think much about financial constraints\u2014we manage somehow. I\u2019m really excited about tomorrow\u2019s match (versus Army) and looking forward to giving our best performance,\u201d said Chandigarh team captain Unnatveer Singh to SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Team Chandigarh have been quick learners. \u201cAt the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, it was our first experience playing hockey on ice. was more about understanding ice and getting used to it. We couldn\u2019t perform well, but losing was also a big learning experience. For KIWG 2026, we prepared much better and had stronger practice sessions. During the semi-final, I wasn\u2019t nervous at all and was actually excited to perform in front of such a big crowd, whether they were cheering or not. My focus was only on giving my best,\u201d said goalkeeper Ujjawal Pratap Singh Matharu to SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI really admire the Ladakh team, especially their speed and how naturally they perform on ice. This win is not just mine\u2014it belongs to the entire team. Our parents and coaches are our biggest support, they helped us financially by arranging expensive equipment,\u201d added Matharu.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Team Chandigarh have been quick learners. \u201cAt the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, it was our first experience playing hockey on ice. was more about understanding ice and getting used to it. We couldn\u2019t perform well, but losing was also a big learning experience. For KIWG 2026, we prepared much better and had stronger practice sessions. During the semi-final, I wasn\u2019t nervous at all and was actually excited to perform in front of such a big crowd, whether they were cheering or not. My focus was only on giving my best,\u201d said goalkeeper Ujjawal Pratap Singh Matharu to SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere is a saying, expect the unexpected, and we were open to both possibilities. Chandigarh\u2019s skill and mind-set were in sync, and they are a fast team. Against Ladakh, they truly put their best foot forward, and it is important to appreciate a good game. It will be an honour to play with them,\u201d said Tsewang Namgail, the Indian Army captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n