Did you know that there's a full-fledged ice hockey team in India? All they need is your support

Since ice hockey is not a very popular sport in India, their efforts go neglected. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ WomenIceHockeyIndia

Unless it's cricket or a medal at the Olympics, most people don't give two hoots about other sports in India. And the disparity is hindering the progress of some very talented players.

Did you even know that there exists a women's ice hockey team in India? Is that a no? Well, we thought as much.

Braving the rough terrain, these women are left with little choice but to practice on a frozen pond in Gupuks, Leh due to the absence of indoor stadiums. With no sponsors or aid coming their way, the team has to pitch in money from their own pockets to attend international championships.

But, the daily tribulations have not been able to break their spirit as their passion for the sport trumps all hardships.

In fact, last year, the team managed to play on the professional rink for the first time ever at the Asia Cup in Taiwan. And they did exceptionally well. Though, the team missed bring home the cup, their goalkeeper Noor Jahan was awarded for saving 193 shots out of 229.

That's commendable indeed.

After failing to get any financial assistance from the administration, the team took matters into their own hands. Surprisingly, they managed to make an ice-rink, but with much labour of course.

Also read: 10 women who claimed the world of Indian sports in 2016

Last year, they toiled hard filling buckets to prepare a frozen arena, deemed fit to play. In freezing temperatures, the team worked from 8pm to 3 am in groups of four, going about the task.

The lack of funding has made matters all the more difficult for them. According to a report published in Sports Café, to receive funding from the government, the sport needs 75% affiliate member states, which is difficult at the moment. Even though there is an artificial rink in Dehradun, but with no caretaker or money to maintain it, it lies neglected.

Since ice hockey is not a very popular sport in India, their efforts go neglected. However, Ice Hockey Association of India has been trying to make its presence felt by requesting crowd-funding. 

They are a talented lot and can make it big. All they need is a little support and acknowledgement from the citizens of their country. You can contribute to their dreams by spreading the word or giving them monetary help, here.