January 12 Marks Start of Ice Hockey Trials Ahead of Khelo India Winter Games |

Updated: January 11, 2026 12:51

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Himachal Pradesh will hold ice hockey trials on January 12, 2026, to select men’s and women’s teams for the Khelo India Winter Games. Players must register with bona fide certificates and photos. The Games begin January 20, with the second phase in Kashmir, spotlighting India’s growing winter sports culture.

The excitement for the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is building as Himachal Pradesh prepares to host ice hockey trials on January 12, 2026. The trials, organized by the Youth Services and Sports Department, aim to select both men’s and women’s teams that will represent the state in the prestigious national winter sports event.

Trials and Eligibility

According to the official notification, the trials will commence at 11:00 AM, with player registration starting an hour earlier at 10:00 AM. Interested participants must bring their Himachali bona fide certificate along with two passport-size photographs to confirm eligibility. The department has clarified that no travel allowance or daily allowance (TA/DA) will be provided, meaning players must attend at their own expense.

Khelo India Winter Games 2026

The first phase of the Winter Games is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026, while the second phase will be held in Kashmir. Ice hockey, one of the marquee events, is expected to draw significant attention as India continues to expand its footprint in winter sports.

Significance for Himachal Pradesh

For Himachal Pradesh, participation in ice hockey trials is a crucial opportunity to showcase talent from regions like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, where winter sports culture is steadily growing. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure, the state remains committed to nurturing athletes who can compete at the national level.

Key Highlights

Trial date: January 12, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.
Venue: Himachal Pradesh (official trial centre notified by the department).
Eligibility: Players must carry Himachali bona fide certificate and two passport-size photographs.
Registration: Begins at 10:00 AM on the same day.
Games schedule: First phase starts January 20, 2026, followed by the second phase in Kashmir.
No TA/DA: Players must attend at their own expense.

Conclusion

The upcoming ice hockey trials on January 12 mark an important step in Himachal Pradesh’s journey toward the Khelo India Winter Games 2026. With the Games set to begin later this month, the trials will determine which young athletes get the chance to represent their state on the national stage.

Sources: UNI India, UNI India Sports Coverage, Khelo India Winter Games Official Portal

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