The escalating impacts of climate change in Ladakh have emerged as a significant cause for concern. Year after year, the region bears witness to the worsening consequences of climate change, with effects becoming increasingly pronounced over time. Altered weather patterns, glacier melt, and unpredictable conditions are instigating distress within the local community.

Farmers are grappling with concerns about water scarcity and the adverse impact of unprecedented weather conditions on agricultural practices. The pervasive influence of climate change is directly or indirectly affecting everyone's lives, and one poignant example is the beloved sport of Ladakh—Ice hockey. Ice hockey stands as a cornerstone of winter sports in Ladakh, facing formidable challenges attributable to climate change. The sport, traditionally played on natural ice sheets with limited infrastructure, is now confronting significant hurdles due to the changing climate.

The alterations in climate patterns have disrupted the proper formation of ice, adversely affecting the availability of suitable surfaces for ice hockey. Warmer temperatures and a shorter duration of freezing conditions have increased the difficulty for players to engage in the sport. The diminishing ice formation not only impacts the overall practice and playing season for ice hockey in Ladakh but also presents challenges for both recreational players and professional teams.

Konchok Namdol Durbuk, an ice hockey player, expressed, "Climate change is significantly affecting Ladakh's main winter sport, ice hockey. In the past, we could enjoy longer periods of playing, but now, due to accelerated ice melting and poor ice formation, the duration is decreasing. In Ladakh, all ice hockey is played outdoors in makeshift ponds, given the lack of proper indoor infrastructure. The direct impact of climate change on these outdoor ponds is causing a noticeable shortening of the playing season."

More than 20 teams, comprising both men and women, actively participate in ice hockey tournaments such as the LG Cup and CEC Cup in Ladakh. These competitions attract teams from various regions within Ladakh. Currently, the matches are conducted at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink in Leh, but the progress of the rink's development remains pending. Previously, matches were held at the natural ice pond at Karzoo. However, the growing threat to natural ice ponds due to global warming has prompted an increased demand for artificial rinks.

Konchok Namdol said, "As a player, practicing poses numerous challenges. I started playing in 2012, and I recall that building an ice hockey rink was relatively easier back then. However, nowadays, there are many challenges directly attributed to the impact of climate change. Despite these challenges, ice hockey players from Ladakh continue to represent India in international tournaments. I maintain hope that in the future, Ladakhis will not only participate in the Olympics but also progress further.”

This unsettling trend not only impedes the development of players but also dampens the enthusiasm and growth of the sport in the region. The adverse effects of climate change on ice hockey serve as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences on various aspects of life, extending beyond agriculture to even the cherished cultural and recreational activities of communities like Ladakh.

The root cause of this impact is undeniably human-made, emphasizing the role of human activities in contributing to climate change. As communities strive to adapt and preserve their beloved sports traditions, the shift towards artificial rinks highlights the need for sustainable practices to ensure the continued enjoyment and viability of ice hockey in Ladakh. Despite these challenges, young players perceive ice hockey as a significant opportunity to proudly represent India at the international level. Their aspirations speak to the resilience of the sport and the determination of emerging athletes to overcome environmental obstacles and pursue their dreams on the global stage.

Diskit C Angmo, Player, Indian women's ice hockey team, has shed light on the formidable challenges faced by her team. She emphasised that "one of the most significant hurdles is the absence of reliable snowfall forecasts and the diminishing severity of winters, courtesy of global warming. Consequently, the ice is melting, and the availability of ice time for practice sessions is severely limited. This poses considerable difficulties for the team, especially when competing at the international level."

In a recent observation, scientists have noted a decline in snowfall and glacial mass in Ladakh, compounding the challenges faced by the team. Diskit pointed out, "Unlike teams in other countries equipped with year-round training facilities, we only have the winter season to practice and compete in international championships. This significantly impacts our training regimen and ultimately influences our performance on the ice." 

In Leh, the impact of climate change is notably severe, particularly when compared to more remote regions like Changthang and Zanskar. Presently, the absence of proper ice rinks has led to individuals creating personal ice rinks and charging fees for their use. This trend poses a significant threat to the future of ice hockey, underscoring the urgency to take proactive measures to address these issues for the well-being of the next generation.

The absence of a government-provided, dedicated ice hockey rink raises concerns about the potential jeopardy to the sport and its players. It is imperative to take immediate action, raising awareness and prioritizing the development of suitable facilities. This proactive approach ensures that future generations have ample opportunities to engage in and foster the growth of ice hockey. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can safeguard the rich tradition of the sport and provide a sustainable platform for the flourishing of young talent in the region.

Speaking about the action plan, Ravinder Kumar, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, stated, "As a sports department, we are actively constructing ice hockey rinks in various locations. However, our enduring solutions involve a concentrated effort on building indoor rinks, as outdoor practice is more susceptible to interruptions. We are striving to ensure uninterrupted training for talented players, enabling practice at any time. Our overarching goal is to promote ice hockey as extensively as possible."

He emphasised, "We are also directing our efforts towards portable ice hockey infrastructure, enabling us to bring the sport to different locations, especially at the sub-division level. This strategic approach aims to enhance accessibility and foster the widespread participation of communities, ensuring the continued growth and popularity of ice hockey in the region." 
The focus on both indoor rinks and portable infrastructure reflects a comprehensive strategy to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and promote the enduring success of ice hockey in the area.

The unseasonably warm weather in mid-January is posing a challenge for the formation of the crucial ice surface, dealing a setback to the beloved sport in Ladakh. While ice hockey has been a cherished sport in Ladakh, this year brings a heightened risk for aspiring players as the lack of natural ice conditions jeopardizes their dreams and the continuity of the sport in the region.