KBC Special: Big B Lauds Indian Ice Hockey Champs, Says Never Deny a Woman’s Spirit

Vasundhra Tewari

| 2025-08-28 | Industry & Events, Spotlight

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan experienced a heartwarming moment on the sets of his quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), where he met the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team, who recently won a bronze medal in the Asian Games. After his shoot, he posted it on his blog, sharing a picture with the entire team, calling it “the most honoured moment” of his career.

The Road From Struggles to Success

India’s ice hockey team stands apart from the rest. Instead of practicing in grand arenas, they hone their skills on the frozen lakes of Ladakh. Braving sub-zero temperatures, with little infrastructure and borrowed or hand-me-down gear from the men’s ice hockey team, these athletes are the very definition of resilience.

Against all odds, the team has carried India’s flag at international championships, competing with nations where ice hockey is part of the culture. Back home, they continue to battle a lack of funding and recognition, yet their love for the sport remains unshaken.

NEVER Say NEVER to a Lady: Amitabh

With these words, Amitabh Bachchan didn’t just applaud the women’s ice hockey team; he captured the essence of women’s spirit everywhere. From the platform as big as KBC, his words were not mere encouragement; they were an acknowledgment.

In India, it is a common practice to make choices for women; they are told what they shouldn’t attempt, where they don’t belong, or how far they can go. Yet, time and again, females show their fighting spirit and break those barriers and rewrite the story, showing that courage and determination have nothing to do with gender.

Amitabh’s words, “Never say never to a lady,” are a reminder to society:

Never doubt her courage
Never dismiss her dreams
Never underestimate her will to rise

“The Most Honoured Moment”

In a heartfelt blog post, Big B described the experience of meeting the team as a revelation… honour… and such a privilege. He then posed a searching question:

Did any of you ever know that India had a Women’s Ice Hockey Team… and that at the recent Asian Games they won the Bronze?

He continued:

“What a surprise and the most honoured moment to be with the entire team on KBC… and to learn of their journey and the hardships they face and faced.

And delivered a powerful message:

But NEVER say NEVER to a lady… they shall prove you wrong… No one believed this Team, and they proved it.

A Sprinted Performance & Securing Bronze Medal

The Indian women’s ice hockey team created history at the IIHF Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE, by clinching the bronze medal.

In the third-place playoff, they delivered a spirited performance against Thailand, securing a 3–1 victory. The win was more than just a medal; it marked a breakthrough for a team that had fought against limited resources, harsh training conditions, and very little recognition, proving that their determination could carry them onto the international podium.