Q. What initially inspired you to become a coach, and how has that journey shaped the way you lead today?
My journey began as a hockey player. I played hockey at the national level with minimal resources—we didn’t even have certified coaches back then. It was sheer zeal and passion that drove me forward. Later, I became involved in the Mission Olympic Archery program. Around the same time, I had the opportunity to enroll at REC Kashmir as an engineering student, but I held onto a dream—to become the first Olympian from Ladakh. I chose to follow that dream.

With support from our local sports association, I began training in archery at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNU), where I had access to top coaches. A few senior Ladakhis were already training there, and six of us from Ladakh joined as a new batch. After just three months of rigorous training, I won a silver medal at the national level in archery.

Unfortunately, due to physical limitations, I had to pause my archery career. My coaches, recognizing my potential, guided me toward target shooting, and within a few months, I became the All-India Champion, winning again at the National Games in Bombay. However, due to a lack of proper equipment, my progress came to a halt.
I returned to Leh and resumed ice hockey recreationally. With the skills I had acquired, I competed at the national level once again. However, I realized that ice hockey was being actively played in only a few states and had limited scope in India, mostly restricted to the Army. I had a broader vision. I wanted to build something sustainable for future generations. So, I decided to become a coach.

Taking initiative, I went to Finland voluntarily to specialize in international ice hockey coaching. Upon returning to Leh, I announced a coaching camp on local radio, which was to be held at Kazoo Zing. For the first time, we trained 70 children using proper techniques. From that batch, I formed both men’s and women’s teams. With support from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), we began international exposure tours to countries like Thailand and Taiwan. Gradually, our players began to improve.

The Canadian High Commission team often visited Leh and brought a film crew along. They made a documentary on me, highlighting that a certified Himalayan ice hockey coach exists. This documentary was shown to the Canadian National Ice Hockey Team. Eventually, word of mouth reached the coach of the LA Kings in the US, who expressed interest in visiting Ladakh to see my work.

When he came to Leh, I requested that he bring some second-hand gear, as such equipment is scarce here. We hosted a 10-day camp, and with his help and the new gear, our players' skills noticeably improved. We also established a cultural exchange program, enabling eight of our players—including two girls—to travel to the US and train with his team. That trip was eye-opening. We realized how far behind we were—not just in skill, but in access to strength and conditioning programs, physiotherapy, gym support, and professional coaching infrastructure. It gave us a completely new vision for the game.

While in the US, I also taught yoga—a skill I had cultivated over the years. The fusion of yoga and ice hockey intrigued many. Recognizing its value, I was offered a job. I accepted, as ice hockey in Ladakh is seasonal and lasts only 2–3 months each year. During my time in the US, I completed coaching certifications from USA Hockey, progressing from Level 1 to Level 4 and becoming a certified national-level coach.

I spent 10 years in the US, but my story started on the ice of Ladakh. My dream has always been to inspire others and ignite that same passion I once felt. Today, as a coach, that dream continues to shape how I lead—with vision, resilience, and the commitment to building something greater for the next generation.

Q. Could you walk us through your professional journey as a coach in ice skating, including where you have offered your coaching expertise and the competitive platforms your students have participated in under your mentorship?

Before my departure to the US, I began incorporating ice runs into my players’ training—not just to boost stamina for ice hockey, but also to introduce them to the fundamentals of speed skating. Our efforts soon paid off: two female and two male players excelled at the national level, leading to a historic milestone. For the first time, athletes from Ladakh earned the opportunity to represent India internationally at the Junior Championship in Romania in 2005. The following year, in 2006, two of our junior boys represented India at the Asian Championship in Taiwan in speed skating.

After returning from the US in 2017, I observed that while ice hockey had made considerable progress in Ladakh, speed skating remained underdeveloped. Determined to change that, I began working at the grassroots level to lay a strong foundation in the sport.

Our first participation in the National Speed Skating Championship in Gurgaon didn’t bring home any medals, but it laid the groundwork. The following year, we earned our first medal. By our third appearance, we proudly secured three medals—marking steady progress and demonstrating the growing potential of Ladakhi athletes in speed skating.
Parallel to this, we participated in the Khelo India Winter Games held annually in Gulmarg. We won medals every year, and during the fourth edition—hosted in Leh—we made a significant leap by clinching 13 medals. In the fifth edition, Ladakh topped the leaderboard among 13 participating states, which was a remarkable achievement in such a short span of time.

At the international level, one of my players made it to the Indian team and won a gold medal at the Asia Cup held in Jakarta. Another major highlight was the Southeast Asia (SEA) Trophy held in the Philippines, where I had the honour of leading Team India as Head Coach. Out of the 25 players representing India, seven were from Ladakh—a proud moment that showcased the rising talent from our region. Team India won a total of 30 medals at the event, 10 of which were earned by Ladakhi athletes (3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze).

Our most recent milestone came at the 20th National Ice Skating Championship, held at the Olympic-sized ice rink in Dehradun. With participation from 21 states and over 450 skaters, it was one of the most competitive editions to date. Despite the tough competition, Ladakh emerged strong, winning 13 medals and finishing third overall in the national rankings.

The current President of the Indian Ice Skating Association, who is also the former Vice President of the Asian Skating Union and a member of the Indian Olympic Association, has taken note of the rapid progress. With his support and the rising performance of our athletes, we have high hopes for Ladakhi representation in the upcoming Asian Games in the field of speed skating.

Q. Kudos to you and your students who have managed to clinch 13 medals with such limited resources. As we know that Leh has a narrow window of just 2 to 3 months for ice skating, what were the major challenges you faced as a coach, and what measures can be introduced for upcoming competitions?

Thank you. Yes, the journey has been incredibly challenging but equally rewarding.
In 2020, I conducted a talent hunt at Gupuks and began an ice skating camp at the individual level—without any equipment. We didn’t have proper figure skating gear, so we started our journey using ice hockey equipment. It’s important to understand that the three major ice sports—Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and Ice Hockey—each require different gear and differently designed rinks. Despite these significant limitations, we pushed forward.

One of our major challenges was that many competitions wouldn't allow us to participate without regulation-specific gear, which we simply didn’t have. This has been a constant barrier. Unfortunately, government support has been minimal. In terms of equipment, we’ve received zero aid, even though our students have consistently brought home medals at both national and international levels. These kids—national gold medallists and international champions—are progressing solely through the dedication of their families and their own love for the sport.

I am deeply committed to their journey. I see their dreams as my own and have never charged a single rupee in coaching fees. While the government does reimburse a portion of our travel expenses—about 60–70%—the rest we cover ourselves. A major issue is that during road travel, many small restaurants and dhabas where we stop don’t provide GST-compliant bills, which makes reimbursement difficult. That’s where most of our out-of-pocket expenses go.

I have also raised this concern with the Member of Parliament, requesting the formation of a Sports Association for UT Ladakh. My suggestion was to allocate a dedicated budget for each sport played in the region. From such a budget, we could manage equipment procurement, refreshments, training camps, and more to improve performance standards. However, there has been little progress or concrete initiative on that front so far.

Given the limited 2–3 month ice window in Leh, we utilize off-season camps for strength and conditioning. These sessions are designed to train our athletes holistically, ensuring their practice rhythm and physical momentum continue year-round. Even without ice, we prepare them as athletes so they’re ready to perform when the season returns.

In the face of all these challenges, our passion remains unshaken. With proper institutional support, Ladakh can become a powerhouse for winter sports in India.

Q. Ice hockey has long been in the spotlight in Leh, but ice skating is now gaining recognition with notable achievements. What are your thoughts on this shift, and how might it impact the future of winter sports in the region?

In 2005 and 2006, we proudly represented India in the World Championship and Asian Games in ice skating—and even brought home medals. Yet, not a single word of appreciation came from either the government or the public. I even approached the Information Department to help share our achievement, but there was no acknowledgment.
Today, however, I see a gradual shift, and I'm working actively to ensure that our players get the recognition they deserve. I’ve reached out to FM stations and media platforms, requesting them to highlight the accomplishments of these athletes. This visibility not only honours their efforts but also inspires other young kids who are passionate about winter sports.

One of the key distinctions between ice hockey and ice skating lies in the structure of the sport. In ice hockey, success depends on the collective performance of the entire team. In contrast, ice skating is an individual sport where a single athlete can potentially win up to four medals across different events. This makes ice skating a highly promising discipline in terms of medal prospects.

Another encouraging development is the growing support from parents. More families are beginning to allow their children to explore and pursue their interests in winter sports. I believe that as Ladakhis, we’ve long taken our natural ice and environment for granted. It’s time we recognize it as a blessing and an opportunity.

With the right support, training, and exposure, Ladakh has the potential to become a powerhouse in winter sports—especially in international platforms like the Asian Games and the Olympics. The shift toward ice skating is not just timely—it’s necessary for the broader growth of winter sports in the region.

Q. Has your coaching philosophy changed over time? Do you coach every player the same way, or adapt based on their personality?

My coaching philosophy has always been rooted in adaptability and genuine care. I believe that just because a player takes longer to grasp techniques doesn’t make them any less capable than someone who learns quickly. Every athlete under my guidance receives equal opportunity, attention, and support.

Each child learns at their own pace—and that, I’ve found, is often a hidden strength. Those who take time to master a skill tend to internalize it more deeply, which benefits them when they move on to advanced techniques. Their foundation is strong, and that helps them progress faster in the long run.

To support continuous growth, I’ve also introduced regular summer camps that focus on both physical conditioning and mental preparedness. These camps, held every other month, have significantly improved the athletes' form, control, and confidence by the time they return to the ice in winter.

Q. What is your message to the parents?

My message to parents is simple: channel your child’s energy wisely.
Many children are naturally active and full of energy. Instead of letting that energy go unmanaged, it’s important to redirect it into something productive—like sports. Sports are not just about physical fitness; they build discipline, improve decision-making, foster resilience, and teach children how to handle pressure—skills that are vital in life, both on and off the field.

We’re all aware of the growing risks of children being drawn toward unhealthy distractions. Rather than waiting for problems to surface, why not be proactive and involve them in structured, meaningful activities that contribute to their overall growth?

Today, many parents focus solely on academics and tuition, often overlooking the need for holistic development. Overburdening children with studies can lead to stress and burnout. In contrast, sports help improve physical health, mental well-being, daily routine, and even eating habits.

It’s time we stop treating sports as optional. A strong foundation in sports can be just as valuable—if not more—than academic achievement in shaping confident, focused, and healthy individuals.

Message to the readers
“Channel your child’s energy into something meaningful—like sports. It builds discipline, confidence, and resilience. While academics are important, holistic growth matters too. Sports improve mental and physical health, reduce stress, and teach life skills. Let’s stop seeing sports as optional and start treating them as essential to a child’s future.”