Shiva Keshavan remains India’s most familiar face in winter sports, but recently it was the women’s ice hockey team that scripted a story beyond the usual struggles for recognition and support. India’s maiden podium finish at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup — a bronze medal — finally captured national headlines.
But even as the celebration began, a storm was brewing that now threatens the very governance of the sport.
Just two weeks before the Indian women defeated Kyrgyzstan in the UAE to seal that historic medal, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) approved the Ice Hockey Federation of India (IHFI) as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) — even though an NSPO already existed in the form of the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). The team that won bronze had travelled to the UAE under the auspices of the IHAI.
The decision to appoint another NSPO while the existing body (IHAI) is well in place has sparked a bitter turf war, demanding urgent intervention to prevent chaos. Yet, despite multiple requests, MYAS has offered no official comment.
Brief History
The IHAI has long been the sport’s official face in India. Since 1989, it has held full membership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). In 2012, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally recognised the IHAI as its member unit.
Harjinder Singh, IHAI’s general secretary, is also an IIHF Asia Committee member and served as India’s Chef de Mission at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Gurpreet Singh Bakshi is the association’s current president.
The rival body, IHFI, was formed in July 2022, led by former Member of Parliament Jamtang Tsering Namgyal. In May 2025, the sports ministry recognised it as an NSPO, creating a parallel power structure.
The IHFI now positions itself as India’s official ice hockey authority — a claim that has deeply irked the IHAI, though it continues to play a cautious waiting game.
Lack of Clarity
The most contentious issue is simple: two NSPOs claim legitimacy over the same sport.
Harjinder Singh continues to receive all official communication from the government. A recent notice by the Khelo India Directorate invited IHAI — not IHFI — to a meeting to revise the Khelo India Scheme for 2026–2031.
However, Namgyal insists it’s only a matter of time before IHFI fully takes over.
He (Harjinder) will soon get an order. It all will change. We have had discussions with the government. From here on, all engagements and programs will involve the Ice Hockey Federation of India.
Harjinder called it pure propaganda, accusing Namgyal of using ice hockey to regain lost political ground. “He is not representing the interests of the sport,” Harjinder said. “He wants to make himself important. By giving some facilities in Ladakh, he believes he can stage a comeback. They have nothing — only false propaganda.”
In November 2024, IHAI formally complained to Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor about IHFI’s claim of national status.
An Uphill Battle for Recognition
IHFI still lacks affiliation from both the IOA and IIHF — a major obstacle. The sports ministry’s approval letter explicitly directs IHFI to approach the IOA and IIHF for recognition.
Before granting NSPO status, aspects like IIHF affiliation should have been considered.
Players Paying the Price
The real victims of this power struggle are the players. NSPOs don’t automatically receive funding from the central sports budget, forcing teams to scramble for resources.
The women’s Asia Cup squad had to borrow money from an organisation called ‘IAMGAME’ just to fund their travel. In the past, both men’s and women’s teams have often resorted to crowdfunding to afford equipment and tournament participation.
IHAI has been preparing to apply for National Sports Federation (NSF) status, which could finally unlock financial support. But that requires regular elections—the last IHAI polls were held in 2018.
In the absence of NSF recognition, players face avoidable setbacks. For example, IHFI has publicly criticised IHAI’s selection processes, calling them opaque.
“For the Asian Winter Games, no selection trial was held. One person just made a list and gave it to the IOA,” alleged Namgyal. He even questioned the selection of the women’s bronze-medal-winning squad.
“It’s good that they won a bronze medal, but was there a proper trial? Make it transparent,” he demanded.
Players were dismayed.
“I don’t think he knows anything about ice hockey,” said one player anonymously. “Ask him to name even five players from the national teams.”
The player confirmed that more than 35 women had attended a month-long national camp in Dehradun, including rigorous trials and fitness tests.
“We have nothing to do with their politics,” the player added. “But if a player loses an opportunity because of this, that’s a tragedy.”
A Conflict Begging for Resolution
India still has only one fully-operational, all-season Olympic-size rink—in Dehradun. Two others in Leh and Kargil remain unfinished.
The situation demands clarity. Which NSPO will the state units affiliate with? Which state associations are officially recognised? These questions can no longer wait.
In the meantime, IHAI and the IOA have resumed operations at the Dehradun rink, a rare bright spot amid the chaos. Regardless of which body ultimately prevails, initiatives that help players must stay above politics.
