Leh (Ladakh): When Chandigarh walked off the ice at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium on January 26 after a gripping 3-2 defeat to defending champions Indian Army in the men's ice-hockey final, the medal colour read silver. But the impact of their campaign at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 went far beyond the podium.
For a side that only began playing ice hockey at the Khelo India level last year, Chandigarh's journey from early setbacks to pushing the country's most dominant team to the brink was a powerful statement - of belief, rapid learning and the emergence of a new force in Indian ice hockey.
A Harsh Start, A Hard Reset
Chandigarh's campaign began with a reality check. A 10-1 loss to Army in the league stage underlined the gulf in experience and exposure.
But head coach Chetanpreet Singh insists that result became the foundation for everything that followed.
"We knew Army would be tough, but 10-1 was not expected," he told myKhel. "That match forced us to rethink everything. We didn't have practice sessions, no flow testing, barely five minutes on ice before games. Still, we knew we had to change the way we played. "
That reset came quickly. In a must-win clash against Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh delivered a commanding 6-1 victory - a result that restored confidence and kept their tournament alive.
The Ladakh Moment That Changed Everything
The defining chapter of Chandigarh's campaign came in the semifinals against hosts Ladakh - a team backed by tradition, altitude advantage and a vocal home crowd.
"Defeating Ladakh in Ladakh still gives me goosebumps," Chetanpreet admitted. "We took it one period at a time. When we started hearing Chandigarh chants inside that stadium, we knew something special was happening. "
That win was more than an upset. It transformed the team's mindset. Chandigarh were no longer chasing survival - they were chasing belief.
Fearless Against the Defending Champions
By the time Chandigarh reached the final, the pressure had lifted. Facing an Army side that had never lost a Khelo India gold, the underdogs embraced the moment. "We had already won in our minds by reaching the final," the coach said. "The kids were not afraid. We just wanted to show fight. "
After going 2-0 down, Chandigarh mounted a stunning comeback, scoring twice in three minutes to level the match. For long spells in the second period, Army were forced to abandon their natural game and adapt to Chandigarh's tempo - a quiet but telling victory. "Coming back from 2-0 down in a Khelo India final is not a small achievement," Chetanpreet said. "At that point, it became a game of inches. "
The decisive goal came late with less than four minutes left in the game, and Army retained gold. But Chandigarh left the ice having changed perceptions.
Women Building the Base of Chandigarh Hockey
While the men's silver medal grabbed attention, the Chandigarh coach was equally emphatic about the contribution of the women's team, who he believes are laying the foundation of the state's ice-hockey growth.
"Our women have already won silver at the Asian Championship, while the men have a bronze," he said. "Nearly 70 percent of our women were playing on rented skates. Even our captain was on rented skates until just before this tournament. "
Despite these constraints, the women displayed composure and maturity - a sign, Chetanpreet believes, that with regular ice access, results will only improve. "They already have the temperament. What they need is time on ice and continuity," he added.
Infrastructure, Cost and the Reality of Ice Hockey
Behind Chandigarh's breakthrough lies a familiar challenge - access. With Ladakh inaccessible year-round and ice time in Dehradun costing around ₹10,000 per hour, sustained training remains a struggle. "We can afford two or three days, not months," the coach said. "At this level, unless you have corporate sponsorship, it becomes extremely difficult. "
The Ice Hockey Association of Chandigarh, led by Gurpreet Singh Bakshi, has stepped in with sponsorships, training camps and is even exploring the possibility of a private rink to ease the burden on young athletes.
Between Exams and Ice Dreams
Perhaps the strongest indicator of Chandigarh's progress lies off the rink. Several players postponed crucial academic exams, including IIT-JEE attempts, to compete at KIWG 2026.
"These are 16-18-year-olds," Chetanpreet added further. "Choosing ice hockey over exams is not easy. It shows the trust parents, players and associations have placed in this journey. "
A Silver That Points Forward
Chandigarh may have finished second on paper, but their campaign at Khelo India Winter Games 2026 felt like a beginning rather than a culmination.
From being fifth last year to standing on the podium this time, from conceding 10 goals to pushing champions to the limit - Chandigarh's story is no longer about participation.
It is about possibility.
