India is set to script a landmark chapter in its winter sports journey as the country prepares to participate in the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships across Men’s, Women’s and U20 Boys categories. All three Indian teams have been placed in Division IV of the championship pathway, marking a historic breakthrough for Indian ice hockey.
The development is being hailed as one of the biggest milestones for the sport in the country, giving Indian teams an opportunity to compete within the IIHF’s official global championship structure. The IIHF World Championships serve as the principal international competition system in ice hockey, where nations battle across divisions to improve their world rankings and establish their presence in the sport.
India has been a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation since 1989, but participation across three national categories simultaneously makes the 2027 edition particularly significant. The move reflects the steady growth of the sport in the country through national tournaments, grassroots initiatives, player development programmes and increasing support for winter sports.
A major boost for Indian ice hockey came during the 2025 National Ice Hockey Championship held at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun — India’s only Olympic-size indoor ice rink. The tournament featured participation in men’s, women’s and youth categories, showcasing the expanding talent pool in the country.
The women’s programme has also emerged as a major success story. India clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE, underlining the growing competitiveness and confidence of Indian players on the international stage.
“This is a historic moment for Indian ice hockey and a proud step for winter sports in India,” said Gurpreet Singh Bakshi, President of the Ice Hockey Association of India.
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