The Indian side will be led by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, with Devansh Sharma and Iftiqar Hussain as alternate captains. The squad has its strongest representation from Chandigarh and Ladakh, with players also coming in from several other states across the country. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
For this group, Bishkek is not just another tournament stop but an important test in the junior international circuit. The U18 campaign also comes at a point when Indian ice hockey is carrying stronger momentum than before. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 2025, the Indian women\u2019s team won bronze at the IIHF Women\u2019s Asia Cup in Al Ain, securing the country\u2019s first international medal in the sport and pushing ice hockey into the national conversation, including through the team\u2019s appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The men\u2019s team had earlier claimed silver at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, and more recently represented India at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. Alongside that, the reopening of Himadri Ice Rink and the launch of the India Ice Hockey League have added fresh structure and visibility to the sport\u2019s growth in the country. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe last year has been a big one for Indian ice hockey. Our women\u2019s team won bronze at the Asia Cup, the men\u2019s team competed at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Himadri Ice Rink reopened, and we launched the India Ice Hockey League. That has created real momentum around the sport. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The men\u2019s team had earlier claimed silver at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, and more recently represented India at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. Alongside that, the reopening of Himadri Ice Rink and the launch of the India Ice Hockey League have added fresh structure and visibility to the sport\u2019s growth in the country. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the Asia Cup campaign, Delhi-NCR-based real estate developer SS Group has partnered with IHAI as the team takes the ice in Bishkek. Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group, said the association reflects the growing momentum around Indian ice hockey and the promise of its next generation of players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n