India’s U18 ice hockey team has reached Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Asia Cup, scheduled from April 27 to May 3.

India will compete against Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Macau, China. The team will be captained by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, with Devansh Sharma and Iftiqar Hussain named alternate captains.

The squad reflects a wider spread of ice hockey talent in India, with strong representation from Chandigarh and Ladakh, along with players from other states.

This is a very important time for Indian ice hockey. In 2025, the Indian women’s team managed to win a bronze medal in the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup tournament held in Al Ain. This was the first time that India had won any medal in ice hockey in an international competition. The Indian men’s team also participated in the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Recent developments such as the reopening of Himadri Ice Rink and the launch of the India Ice Hockey League have added fresh visibility to the sport.

“The last year has been a big one for Indian ice hockey,” said Harjinder Singh, General Secretary, Ice Hockey Association of India. “Now the U18 boys have their opportunity, and that makes this a very exciting moment for us.”

Delhi-NCR-based real estate developer SS Group has partnered with the Ice Hockey Association of India for the Asia Cup campaign. Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group, said the association reflects the growing momentum around Indian ice hockey and the promise of its next generation of players. 

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