Indian U18 Ice Hockey Team Sets Sights on Asia Cup Glory

The Gurtej Singh Bhatti-led Indian ice hockey team is gearing up to showcase its prowess in the upcoming U18 Asia Cup, slated to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 27 to May 3. The national federation announced the team's participation on Friday, underscoring the significance of this event for India's growing ice hockey scene.

Besides India, the tournament will feature teams from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Macau, China. India's leadership will be further bolstered by alternate captains Devansh Sharma and Iftiqar Hussain. This tournament marks a crucial moment for the team as it follows previous successes.

The Indian men's team had earlier clinched a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, and the women's team secured a bronze in the 2025 IIHF Women's Asia Cup. These achievements have contributed to the momentum and development of ice hockey in India, now reflected in a team with players from diverse states across the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)