From the frozen lakes of Ladakh to the International podium: India's Ice Queens redefine grit

New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): In a sport few believed Indian women could play, let alone excel in, the Indian Women Ice Hockey team has emerged as a force of resilience, rewriting history with a stunning Bronze win at the IIHF Asia Cup.

Their journey -- marked by struggle, stereotypes, and sheer grit -- has now become a beacon of inspiration for athletes across the nation, as per a press release.

The team came in third in June at the 2025 IIHF Women Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE, and their success story demonstrates courage, resiliency, and overcoming barriers in a sport that has historically been seen as a male stronghold.

For players like Diskit C Angmo, ice hockey began by watching her brother play, I didnt know girls could even play hockey, she recalls. That simple curiosity led to a revolution, one that saw young women from Ladakh challenge deep-rooted societal norms.

Tsewang Chuskit, team captain, remembers being questioned for playing a boy sport. Some uncles in the audience asked, What are you doing playing with the boys? This isnt a girl game, But instead of deterring her, it fueled her determination. It became more important to prove the world wrong than to prove myself right, echoed Diskit.

The resistance wasnt limited to spectators. Assistant Coach Ali Amir reflects, They said, youre a girl, what will you play? Youll get married, youll go to someone else house, And yet, those same girls stood tall on the global stage, bringing India a moment of pride.

Despite being mocked -- They go abroad just for fun, Theyre happy with 4th place -- the team pushed harder. Padma Chorol shared, We werent satisfied with fourth. We gave it everything we had.

Rigzin Yangdol put it best, To score a goal, we werent just up against the opposition -- we had to win against the world.

Rinchen Dolma comeback just five months after giving birth is now legendary. Facing taunts like, Youre a mother now, go home, she stormed the rink, scored a goal, and made a defiant statement: Ill come here with my baby, and Ill show you what scoring a goal really means.

Assistant Coach Ali Amir, moved by the team resilience, said, When the national anthem played and our flag was hoisted, I felt pride like never before. What I couldnt achieve as a player, I achieved as a coach -- thanks to these incredible women.

Through all the challenges, the team never forgot their mission. As Sonam Angmo summed it up, Were playing for the country. Even when the support was missing, we stood strong. This medal is for everyone who believed in us.

Their story has now found a wider audience through Sound of Courage, a tribute film by Pocket FM, India leading audio platform. The film captures their grit, passion, and unbreakable spirit -- a story that needed to be heard.

From cold outdoor rinks to the Asia Cup podium, India Ice Queens have proven that courage is contagious -- and that dreams, when chased with heart, can echo far beyond the rink. (ANI)

Disclaimer: This news article is a direct feed from ANI and has not been edited by the News Nation team. The news agency is solely responsible for its content.