Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 29: Indian ice hockey is set to achieve a major milestone as the country prepares to compete in the IIHF World Championships 2027 with its men’s, women’s, and Under-20 boys’ teams all entering Division IV of the global championship pathway.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held in Germany from May 14 to 30, 2027, with matches taking place in Dusseldorf and Mannheim.
As part of preparations for the championships, all three Indian teams will undergo extensive training programmes, including national camps, player evaluations, coaching development initiatives, and increased international exposure.
India has been a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) since 1989. Although Indian teams have participated in regional and international competitions over the years, participation in the IIHF World Championship structure marks a significant advancement for the sport in the country.
Calling it a landmark moment, Gurpreet Singh Bakshi, President of the Ice Hockey Association of India, said the development represents a proud achievement for winter sports in the nation.
“This is a historic step for Indian ice hockey. The inclusion of our men’s, women’s, and U20 boys’ teams in the IIHF World Championships pathway is a major recognition of the progress made by the sport and the dedication of our players,” he said.
The announcement comes during a period of growing momentum for ice hockey in India, driven by expanding domestic competitions, increased participation from states, structured player development programmes, and greater visibility for winter sports.
The 2025 National Ice Hockey Championship, hosted at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun — India’s only Olympic-sized indoor ice rink — witnessed participation from teams across men’s, women’s, and youth divisions, highlighting the widening grassroots base of the sport.
India’s women’s team has also delivered encouraging performances on the international stage. The side secured a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE, one of the country’s strongest achievements in recent years.
Officials believe the inclusion of the Under-20 boys’ team in the World Championship pathway will provide young athletes with a clearer progression route into the senior national setup.
The IIHF World Championships are regarded as the premier global competition structure in ice hockey, where nations compete through multiple divisions to improve their international rankings and standing within the sport.
For India to enter this system simultaneously across three national categories is being viewed as a transformative moment for Indian ice hockey.
Harjinder Singh, Secretary General of the Ice Hockey Association of India, has played a key role in strengthening the sport’s organisational structure and creating stronger links between grassroots participation and the national teams.
“This achievement belongs to every player, coach, official, family member, and supporter who has contributed to the growth of ice hockey in India,” Harjinder said.
“The World Championships will provide our teams with a major international platform. Our focus now is on preparation, player development, and ensuring that India makes the most of this historic opportunity,” he added.