Leh, Jun 15: In a significant development, the Ice Hockey Federation of India (IHFI) has been recognized as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The IHFI held the formal launching ceremony of its recognition at Leh in Ladakh, with Dr Pawan Kotwal (IAS), Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the IHFI Logo, Jersey, and distribution of Affiliation Certificates, and was attended by distinguished Guests of Honour including Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Mohd Haneefa Jan, Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Tsering Angchuk, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh and Vikram Singh Malik (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh.
The ceremonial proceedings featured a traditional reception with Khatags, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, unveiling of the official IHFI Logo and Jersey, distribution of Affiliation Certificates to seven affiliated state associations, and keynote addresses by dignitaries.
Officially registered in June 2022 with its headquarters in Leh, Ladakh, the Ice Hockey Federation of India works for promoting and developing Ice Hockey across the country, particularly in the Himalayan region.
With NSPO status, IHFI is now empowered to expand its national programs, improve infrastructure, and pursue international collaboration and recognition.
The event culminated in the official declaration of NSPO recognition to IHFI, while a Vote of Thanks was delivered by PT Kunzang, Joint Secretary, IHFI.
Following the ceremony, IHFI President Jamyang Tsering Namgyal addressed a press briefing outlining the Federation’s vision to advance Ice Hockey in India. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the NSPO recognition and acknowledged the support of the UT Administration of Ladakh, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil, and the people of Ladakh, led by Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra.
The grand Launching program was also attended by the Councilors of LAHDC Leh, Government Officials, Presidents and Representatives of various State Level Bodies of Ladakh, Distinguished Ice Hockey Players, other important guest and Media agencies.
The event concluded with light refreshments and warm interaction among dignitaries, players, and members of the growing Indian Ice Hockey community.
Earlier in the day, the IHFI convened its Annual Executive and General Body Meeting.
The Annual Meeting was presided over by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, President of IHFI and former Member of Parliament (17th Lok Sabha) from Ladakh. It was attended by IHFI office bearers, executive and general body members, as well as representatives from affiliated State Ice Hockey Associations, including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Ladakh.
During the meeting, the General Body unanimously passed key resolutions to further strengthen the Federation’s national and international presence.
The resolutions included affiliation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
The General Body resolved to formally approach the IIHF for international affiliation, paving the way for India’s greater participation in global Ice Hockey events. The President and General Secretary were authorized to initiate and oversee the affiliation process.
The Federation resolved to seek affiliation with the IOA to ensure its representation in Olympic and multi-sport national platforms. This initiative is supported by the recent NSPO recognition granted through Ministry Letter No. 10-10/2025/SP-I dated 23rd May 2025.
In addition to these resolutions, the Federation officially adopted its new Logo and Jersey, symbolizing a unified national identity for Indian Ice Hockey. The members also discussed and approved the annual sports calendar for 2025–2026, which includes plans for national-level training camps and tournaments across affiliated states.
