Golf and Ice Hockey In Kashmir
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, golf and ice hockey are not typically associated with Kashmir due to its geographical and climatic conditions. However, let’s explore each activity separately:
- Golf in Kashmir:
- Kashmir is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and there are golf courses in the region where visitors can enjoy the sport amidst picturesque surroundings.
- The Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar is one of the prominent golf courses in Kashmir. It offers a beautiful setting with views of the Zabarwan Range and Dal Lake.
- Weather conditions and accessibility may impact golfing activities, so it’s advisable to check with local golf clubs or resorts for the latest information on golfing opportunities in Kashmir.
- Ice Hockey:
- Ice hockey is not a traditionally popular sport in Kashmir due to its temperate climate. Kashmir experiences a milder winter compared to regions where ice hockey is more prevalent.
- However, winter sports such as ice skating and skiing can be enjoyed in some areas during the winter months, when temperatures drop and frozen surfaces are available.
It’s important to note that the availability of sports and recreational activities can change, and new initiatives may have been introduced since my last update. If you are interested in golfing or ice hockey in Kashmir, it’s recommended to contact local sports clubs, resorts, or tourism authorities for the most accurate and current information. They can provide insights into the specific opportunities available during your visit and any seasonal variations in sports and recreational activities.
Ice hockey has gained popularity in India in recent years and is now a new addition to adventure tourism in Kashmir.
Ice hockey is a game that consists of playing hockey on an artificial ice rink or on a frozen natural lake with a pair of skates. Once someone uses skates, nobody needs to say what to do or what to expect.
Ice hockey is played in many countries and is an Olympic competition. Ice hockey is emerging as one of the most popular sports in the Ladakh region.
In recent years, the sport was controlled by the Winter Games Federation of India, but is now excluded from the organization and controlled by the full-fledged Ice Hockey Association of India.
We have a state-level ice hockey association in Jammu and Kashmir that controls the sport at the state level and organizes championships every year at various places in the Ladakh region.
Golf and Ice Hockey In Kashmir
IHAJK was registered as a society in 1994 but could not develop due to a lack of funds and non-recognition of sports by the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council.
Ice hockey is now also played in many parts of India on artificial rinks. Some local clubs and the military organize tournaments in Dehradun, Shimla, etc. every year.
The Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir hosts several such championships annually under the name and style of the Chief Executive Councilor Cup, Army Cup, Tourism Cup, Indo-Canadian Friendship Cup, and J&K State Championship.
The Ice Skating Association of India, in association with the Ladakh Winter Sports Club, sometimes organizes national championships in Leh.
The Drass sector has apparently produced two international players, including Ziaur Rehman Mir and Mohammad Maqbool.
The puck replaces the ball
In ice hockey, a smooth puck called a “Puck” (a vulcanized rubber hard puck, 150–170 grams in weight and black in color) replaces the hardball in normal hockey.
Same sport, different experience
Two teams play opposite each other, trying to maneuver the smooth puck as they glide and slide past opponents, dip, and dive under the thighs, and move to the opposite goalpost.
Being on a skating rink, you need phenomenal confidence while speeding up, slowing down, or stopping as quickly as the game requires. All these movements are a pleasure to watch.
Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir are popular places for this sport. Many enthusiasts from other parts of the country and abroad flock to the Ladakh region for the experience of playing ice hockey on some of the highest rinks in the world.
To promote sports awareness and greater participation, every year this game is organized nationally in Ladakh.
Pahalgam joins the ice hockey map
Pahalgam now boasts of having a skating rink in Nunwan, which opened in May this year. Now Gulmarg and Pahalgam have facilities for playing ice hockey.
The latest addition has a covered ceiling with all the modern facilities like fancy lighting, public address systems, and other necessary services.
The human gaze of our army!
Our army, with the support of some enthusiastic foreigners, brought the sport to almost every home in Drass and played in good spirits despite the cold temperatures.
Renowned organizations like J&K Ice Hockey Association, Himalayan Drass, KISS Club, Himalayan Sports & Cultural Organization, etc. are working hard side by side to promote ice hockey in Drass.
World’s Highest Golf Course
In winter, Gulmarg’s natural slopes and inclines make it India’s premier skiing resort, as well as offering winter sports like golf, ice hockey, and heliskiing.
I was intrigued and proud that Gulmarg has the world’s highest golf course. It is 18 holes & has a par of 72.
The golf course ground is arranged by the Gulmarg Tourism Board for travelers coming to Kashmir in winter. In this way, you can enjoy golf by paying a fee of INR 200 to 500 in Gulmarg.
Ice Hockey Rink
On your way to Khilanmarg, you will pass the High Altitude Warfare School and the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering.
The ice hockey ground is arranged by the Gulmarg Tourism Board for travelers coming to Kashmir in winter. In this way, you can enjoy ice hockey by paying a fee of INR 1000 to 3000.
Golf and Ice Hockey In Kashmir
Ice hockey has become a popular sport in the Ladakh region. With the support of some foreigners and the army, the game has reached almost every house in Dras and is played with high spirits in harsh winters.
Organizations like Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya Dras, KISS Club, the Ice Hockey Association of Himalaya Sports and Cultural Organization, etc. are working neck-to-neck hard to promote ice hockey in Drass.
Dras has become the center of the sport over the years. There are around 7 ice hockey clubs in Dras, 4 clubs in Kargil, and around 10 in Leh, including clubs from the security forces.
It is also catching up in children and girls. Dras training programs are arranged each year in collaboration with a Canadian club.
Natural resources are available at these places as water freezes here and turns every stagnant body of water into a playground.
Dras has two well-organized ice skating rinks, one at Goshan and the other at Bhimbat, while one at Chittan in Kargil is under construction. In Leh, a few more rinks are also available.
Golf and Ice Hockey In Kashmir
