Leh (Ladakh), January 23: Indian Army's team once again underlined their dominance in ice hockey with a commanding 11-0 victory over Jammu & Kashmir in their final Group A league match at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) Ice Hockey Rink in the Khelo India Winter Games 2026.
The defending champions are the favourites to win the title in this edition of the competition as well. However, captain Parth Jagtap and head coach Rinchen Tundup were unanimous that the success is rooted in a strong system, depth and long-term preparation rather than the contribution of any single individual.
Army Seal Semifinal Spot With Emphatic Win
The emphatic win sealed Army's place in the men's semifinals and kept intact their unbeaten run at the Khelo India Winter Games since the tournament's inception.
Speaking after the match, Jagtap, the only non-Ladakhi player in the Army squad, said leadership in a side of this nature is about coordination and trust.
"The credit for our performance never belongs to one person. We have seniors, experienced players, a disciplined structure and a support staff that understands the demands of the sport. My role as captain is to ensure that everyone stays aligned and focused," Jagtap told myKhel.
From Pune to International Hockey
Serving as a Captain in the Indian Army Jagtap, who hails from Pune, traced his journey back to 2008 when he began skating as a speed skater before moving to roller hockey. Over the years, he has represented the country across multiple disciplines, including roller hockey, inline hockey, roll ball and ice hockey, playing a total of 28 national championships.
His introduction to ice hockey came in Mumbai, where he trained at a private rink before making his way to Ladakh for national championships in 2015.
"That tournament in Ladakh changed everything for me. Based on that performance, I was selected to represent India at the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship in New Zealand in 2016. Since then, the journey has continued," he said.
Preparing for Ladakh's Extreme Conditions
Jagtap joined the Indian Army in 2021 after clearing the UPSC examination and has been part of the Army ice hockey team since 2025. He said playing in Ladakh's extreme conditions demands more than just technical skill.
"Here, you fight the weather first. Fitness, diet and recovery are crucial. Most of our players are locals from Ladakh Scouts and are naturally adapted to these conditions. For players coming from outside, acclimatisation and mental preparation become very important," he explained.
To maintain focus in a physically and mentally demanding sport, Jagtap said the team places significant emphasis on off-ice routines.
"Ice hockey is the fastest game and a full-contact sport. Mental preparation is as important as physical strength. We regularly conduct yoga sessions and team bonding activities to ensure mental calm and clarity," he added.
Coach Tundup on Army's Preparation Model
Army head coach Rinchen Tundup, himself a former India international, said the team's sustained success is a product of its institutional framework. Tundup represented India in international competitions after playing for the Army team from the early 2000s and later transitioned into coaching.
"When we represented India abroad in the past, we were seeing proper ice rinks and professional setups for the first time. We used to wonder when such facilities would come to India," Tundup recalled.
Explaining the Army's preparation model, he said the team draws players from multiple Army units spread across the region.
"We have four to five units, each with around 20 players. Once the ice season begins and conditions are suitable, we select players from these units, bring them together and train as a group for about a month. That coordination and discipline gives us consistency," he said.
'Other Teams Are Catching Up'
Tundup acknowledged that the gap between the Army and other teams is gradually narrowing. "Other teams are improving year after year by playing against stronger sides. The overall standard of ice hockey in India is rising, which is good for the sport," he said.
Infrastructure and Funding Key to Wider Growth
However, he stressed that wider growth would depend on infrastructure expansion beyond Ladakh.
"Today, young players can watch international matches online and learn faster than we ever could. But to tap talent from across the country, we need more ice rinks and facilities. Only then can India compete at a different level internationally," he said.
Both Jagtap and Tundup highlighted the role of the Khelo India Winter Games in providing regular competitive exposure and a structured pathway for players outside traditional winter-sport regions.
Army will face ITBP in the men's semifinals on Saturday as they look to continue their unbeaten run and defend their Khelo India ice-hockey title once again.
