Tony Kretzschmar’s Journey: How a Canadian Engineer Used Ice Hockey to Change Lives in Ladakh

Leh (Ladakh), Jan 30: Ice hockey is often seen as a highly physical, demanding, and aggressive sport, with much attention given to who defeats whom and which player shines the brightest.

The intense rivalries and sometimes overly enthusiastic or confrontational behavior of fans often take the spotlight. Yet, what frequently goes unnoticed is the power of sports to bring people together.

A Canadian Engineer's Unexpected Discovery in Ladakh

The story began in 2001 when Tony Kretzschmar, a Canadian engineer, arrived in India for work. At the suggestion of the Canadian High Commission in Delhi, he brought his hockey gear, unaware that hockey was played in India. "I was surprised to know that ice hockey was played here," he recalls.

Ladakh's high-altitude environment offers Canadians a familiar landscape

where ice forms naturally, making it an ideal location for ice hockey. Tony joined the Canadian Embassy team, and during their visit to Ladakh, the Indo-Canadian Friendship Cup was born. Over the years, this initiative has not only advanced the sport but also fostered deep connections between the two countries.

Karzu Pond and the Early Days of Growth

Tony assembled a team with players from various countries, including Canada, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Germany. Over two decades ago, Ladakhi youths had the opportunity to play alongside international players in matches held at Karzu pond.

"I love the Karzu Rink, and so did everyone who came," Tony shared. "Everyone was drawn to its beauty, with the open skies, snow-capped mountains, and the Leh Palace towering above. "

Since then, the Canadian team kept returning to Ladakh every year (except few years around the pandemic). Their commitment to the region has been strong, driven by a philosophy they call it "the Hockey diplomacy. " As he puts it, "we are here not to win games but to make friends and build relationships. "

While ice hockey as a game in Ladakh was played in 1966-when an early match was played between the Ladakh Scouts and the Sikh Regiment in Durbuk-Tony noted that in 2001, the sport was "still in its infancy in terms of proper equipment and understanding of the rules, although the Ladakh Winter Sports Club (LWSC) maintained the ice well on the rink".

Building the Game Through Equipment and Coaching

Each year, Tony returned with more international players, equipment, and resources to help train players and coach the referees. He states that "we always like to bring extra equipment. I always bring a full set and leave it behind, going back with nothing, and so did most of the players. "

Reflecting on the progress, Tony shares that "after few years into the Friendship Cup then, Ladakh's managed to beat the Canadian teams in some matches. And now recently in the Royal Enfield Tournament, I feel a great sense of pride seeing the Ladakhi teams play. Their progress is personally heartwarming to me. "

Tundup Namgail's, the first captain of the Indian Ice-Hockey team and current vice-president of the LWSC, says, "Tony is the one who truly started ice hockey here. He taught us the game, trained us, provided the equipment, and explained the rules, bringing international teams here to Ladakh. They even brought the dasher boards! Their training led us to our first victory against Macau at the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in Dehradun in 2012, which was our first international win," said Namgail.

Namgail's jersey is displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Canada, alongside the Indian national flag. The same the Ladakh Winter Sports Club on February 4, 2018, in collaboration with The Hockey Foundation, set a Guinness World Record by playing the highest-altitude ice hockey game at 14,361 feet in Chibra Kargyam, Ladakh.

From Learning to Competing on the Global Stage

When Tony first came to Ladakh, he learned that kids had to stay in school to play hockey-a rule he loved. "It keeps them away from alcohol and drugs, which is personally important to me," he said.

Winter, usually a time of slumber, gives these kids structure, helps them learn leadership skills, and provides coaching. Many have even had opportunities to travel internationally or earn scholarships through hockey. For Tony, it's not just about the sport; hockey is a vehicle for growth and development in Ladakh.

Looking ahead, Tony acknowledges that while India still lags behind other countries in ice hockey development, recent advancements-like the new international-standard rink-offer hope for future athletes.

Ladakh's high altitude also gives its athletes a natural edge in athletic skill and performance, setting them apart. "In terms of energy, the athletes from Ladakh definitely have better strength, and they don't tire easily," Tony observed.

Ice Hockey as a Tool for Social Change

Sitting at the NDS Stadium in Leh, Tony reflects on how far the sport has come: "The establishment of this beautiful stadium is a testament to the progress made since 2001. " His advice is clear: "And with the all-weather this year, the LWSC should start with children and provide year-round coaching and not just in winters, so that in about 10-12 years, the Indian team will be ready to compete at the Olympics!"

The story of ice hockey in Ladakh exemplifies how sports can forge connections between diverse cultures while promoting growth, development, and a brighter future for the region.

(Dechan Angmo is an independent journalist and has worked with the content team in all three editions of the Khelo India Winter Games in Leh, UT Ladakh)