Rink Revival: Inaugural India Hockey 360 Festival Concludes in Chandigarh

International coaches, National Hockey League experts, and regional athletes wrap up a landmark weekend aimed at expanding roller, ball, and ice hockey across India.

Marking a major milestone for alternative winter sports development in South Asia, the inaugural India Hockey 360 Festival officially concluded its two-day run on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Chandigarh. Bringing together prominent North American sports experts, professional coaches, and local enthusiasts, the event was co-organized by prominent National Hockey League (NHL) broadcaster Randip Janda and multicultural sports marketing firm Tulsea Sports Marketing (TSM). Designed to foster grassroots participation, the festival bridged international expertise with India's emerging sporting community, establishing a collaborative framework to support the long-term growth of roller, ball, and ice hockey nationwide.

Event Structure and Grassroots Engagement

The festival kicked off with community-focused activations before transitioning into specialized technical workshops hosted in partnership with the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). By introducing diverse disciplines of the sport to new demographics, organizers sought to build a sustainable foundation from the ground up.

Key activities and milestones across the two-day schedule included:

• Try Ball Hockey Activation: Hosted on August 1 at the Nexus Elante Mall in Chandigarh, the opening public session invited participants of all ages to experience interactive shooting challenges, handle sticks, and engage with the sport firsthand.

• Coaches Summit: Held at the Sector 10 skating rink on August 2, the morning conference convened regional coaches and sports administrators to discuss modern tactical frameworks and training methodologies.

• Elite Roller Hockey Clinic: Led by professional guest instructors, afternoon sessions focused on advanced technical skill drills, edge work, and player development strategies.

• 3x3 Exhibition Matches: Competitive showcase games allowed local athletes to test their abilities under the direct observation of international coaching staff.

Global Collaboration and Professional Leadership

The success of the festival was amplified by the active involvement of high-profile figures from North America's professional hockey ecosystem. Harry Mahesh, assistant coach of the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Canucks, spearheaded player development sessions, sharing insights derived from championship-level environments. Furthermore, institutional backing was provided by elite organizations including the National Hockey League (NHL), the Vancouver Canucks, and equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey, reflecting a growing global commitment to diversifying and expanding hockey's geographic footprint.

Impact on Athletes, Local Sports Communities, and Investors

For young athletes and families in northern India, the festival provided rare direct access to elite-level coaching previously unavailable locally. By opening pathways into roller and ice hockey, the initiative diversifies the regional sports ecosystem beyond traditional mainstream games. For sports investors, commercial partners, and equipment brands, supporting structured grassroots clinics opens up emerging consumer demographics within the global South Asian diaspora, laying the groundwork for future leagues and athletic infrastructure investments.

Why It Matters

Expanding winter and roller sports into non-traditional markets requires intentional grassroots outreach and institutional mentorship. By connecting local talent with major international organizations like the NHL, events like the India Hockey 360 Festival help cultivate diverse athletic talent pools and foster international sports diplomacy.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Name: Inaugural India Hockey 360 Festival.

• Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026.

• Venues: Nexus Elante Mall and Sector 10 Skating Rink, Chandigarh.

• Key Leaders: Randip Janda (NHL Broadcaster) and Harry Mahesh (Abbotsford Canucks Coach).

• Key Partners: National Hockey League (NHL), Vancouver Canucks, Bauer Hockey, and Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI).

FAQ Section

What was the main objective of the India Hockey 360 Festival?

The festival aimed to promote the growth of roller, ball, and ice hockey in India by providing players and coaches with professional training, grassroots clinics, and direct mentorship from international experts.

Who spearheaded the organization of this inaugural event?

The festival was co-organized by NHL broadcaster Randip Janda and Tulsea Sports Marketing (TSM), with institutional support from the Ice Hockey Association of India and major North American hockey franchises.

Where did the festival events take place?

Activities were hosted across Chandigarh, beginning with a public ball hockey activation at Nexus Elante Mall and technical sessions at the Sector 10 skating rink.

Which international organizations supported the festival?

The event received backing from prominent organizations including the National Hockey League (NHL), the Vancouver Canucks, Bauer Hockey, and the IHAI.

Source: Canada Newswire, The Tribune India, ANI News, Ice Hockey Association of India