Chandigarh scripted history at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 with a stunning 3-2 come-from-behind victory over hosts Ladakh in the men’s ice-hockey semifinals on the night of January 23, booking their first-ever entry into the final and becoming the surprise package of the tournament.

The dramatic win not only earned Chandigarh the admiration of the local crowd but also underlined how players from the plains are successfully adapting in-line hockey skills to the ice. Much like roller skaters transitioning to ice and figure skating, Indian hockey players are increasingly shifting from hard surfaces to ice rinks, where pace, stamina and technical skill remain central.

While teams from Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh benefit from natural ice and frozen ponds, sides such as Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Telangana largely rely on in-line hockey. These teams train on ice only in the lead-up to national competitions such as the Khelo India Winter Games. That Chandigarh began playing ice hockey only at KIWG 2025 makes their semifinal upset all the more remarkable.

Chandigarh head coach Gaurav Raheja described the win as a historic moment. He said the team had entered the semifinal focused solely on performance, but the collective effort of the players and the support from the crowd made the difference. He added that opportunities to create history were rare, and Chandigarh had seized theirs.

Saturday brought further joy for the Union Territory as the women’s team claimed the ice-hockey bronze medal with a 4-3 extra-time win over Himachal Pradesh. Raheja said that victory boosted the men’s confidence and belief, making the day one that would be remembered by Chandigarh’s sporting fraternity for years.

Chandigarh captain Unnatveer Singh said the 2025 Khelo India Winter Games had been the team’s first experience of ice hockey. With no ice rink in Chandigarh, the players travel to Dehradun on weekends to train, often in batches due to academic and personal commitments. He said the team managed financial and logistical challenges out of sheer passion for the sport and was excited about the final against the Indian Army.

Goalkeeper Ujjawal Pratap Singh Matharu said the previous edition of the Games had helped the team understand the demands of ice hockey, even though results did not go their way. For KIWG 2026, he said, Chandigarh prepared better with stronger practice sessions and a clearer approach. He added that he felt excitement rather than nerves during the semifinal, focusing only on delivering his best performance.

Matharu also praised Ladakh’s natural speed and fluency on ice, calling the win a collective effort supported by parents and coaches who helped arrange expensive equipment.

The Republic Day final on January 26 promises to be a memorable occasion for Chandigarh as they take on defending champions Indian Army. While reaching the final itself is a significant achievement, Chandigarh have made it clear they will not be overawed by the occasion.

Indian Army captain Tsewang Namgail said his team expected the unexpected and acknowledged Chandigarh’s speed, skill and mindset. He praised their performance against Ladakh and said it would be an honour to face them in the final.