Kargil, Jan 20: A 10-day Winter Ice Hockey Coaching Camp has begun at Taisuru, bringing fresh momentum to winter sports activities in the border region of Kargil. The camp, which started on Monday, is being organised by the Zonal Physical Education Office, Taisuru, in coordination with the Hon’ble Councillors of Tai Suru.
The opening day saw the participation of 58 students, reflecting steady interest among school-going children and local youth. By the second day, the number rose to 87, pointing to growing enthusiasm for ice hockey in the area, especially during the peak winter season when frozen rinks become active community spaces.
The coaching camp is being conducted by two seasoned ice hockey coaches from Kargil, Ilyas and Imran, who bring hands-on experience of the sport in high-altitude conditions. Training sessions are scheduled daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and are divided into four shifts to ensure focused attention and proper use of the rink.
Apart from on-ice training, the coaches are also engaged in maintaining the ice rink during late hours. This effort is aimed at keeping the surface safe and suitable for training, despite harsh weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures that prevail in the region.
Officials associated with the programme said the camp is designed to encourage participation in winter sports, with special focus on ice hockey, which has long been played informally in parts of Kargil district. Through structured drills and regular sessions, the initiative seeks to identify promising players and provide them with early guidance.
Local residents and parents have welcomed the initiative, noting that such camps not only keep children engaged during winter months but also open pathways for sporting exposure beyond the region. The organisers expressed hope that sustained efforts like this would help build a stronger base for ice hockey in Taisuru and neighbouring areas
