Skarma Rinchen, a 20-year-old from the semi-nomadic village of Gya Meru in Ladakh, has become a symbol of the transformative power of sports, particularly ice hockey. Her inspirational journey from struggling with ice-skating boots in 2017 to representing the Indian national ice hockey team is a testament to determination and hard work, set against the challenging terrain and harsh winters of Ladakh.

In 2017, Skarma encountered ice hockey during a training workshop in her village, initially finding it challenging to even stand on the blades. Despite limited practice opportunities, her interest grew, leading her to a 15-day workshop in Leh organised by the Women’s Association. There, she connected with members of the Indian women’s national ice hockey team, regularly attending their practice sessions, and eventually earning a chance to train with them. By 2023, Skarma, now a left forward, became a national team player.

Contributing to Ladakh’s success, Skarma was part of the Maryul Spamo Leh squad that secured a gold medal in the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, a championship which was started by the UT administration in January this year to tap the grassroots in Ladakh. She also played in the Ladakh women’s team, which won silver in the national ice hockey championships 2024 in Kaza, Himachal Pradesh. Her international debut at the 2023 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Championship in Thailand marked a significant moment in her career.

Skarma's international debut was not without challenges, as India faced a defeat against Iran. However, for the young Ladakhi village girl, it became a moment worth cherishing. She shared, "I was nervous before my first international game. An artificial rink was something I had never known existed, as I had only seen a natural rink. When I stepped onto the court, the tall girls and their gear seemed intimidating. It was overwhelming, but we managed to reach the semi-finals."

Despite the initial setback against Iran, the Indian women's team demonstrated resilience by securing victories against Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Malaysia. Unfortunately, they faced another defeat, this time against Thailand in the semifinals. Thailand eventually clinched the gold by defeating Iran in the final.

Skarma aspires to convey a powerful message about resilience and determination, particularly for girls confronting challenges, emphasizing that "ice hockey is a physically challenging game, and girls tend to give up quickly when they are hurt; believing in oneself and working hard is the key to mastering a game like this." Her journey, from struggling on skates in 2017 to earning a spot on the national ice hockey team in 2023, underscores the rewards of unwavering persistence.

Recognizing the significance of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), especially as it welcomes women's teams for the first time in its fourth edition, Skarma expresses her excitement to compete on her home ground. She believes that this national-level event will not only break barriers but also create more opportunities for female athletes across the country.

For Skarma, ice hockey transcends being just a game; she acknowledges its transformative impact. Initially serving as an escape during slow winters, it evolved into an opportunity for physical activity and eventually provided a platform to explore the world. Her participation, both nationally and internationally, represents a dream realized through ice hockey.

Looking beyond personal achievements, Skarma envisions that professional ice hockey will open up additional job opportunities, bringing potential socio-economic benefits for girls from remote villages in Ladakh. In essence, Skarma Rinchen's story encapsulates the transformative power of sports and the resilience required to overcome challenges, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially girls in the remote villages of Ladakh and beyond.

Beyond her personal achievements, Skarma hopes that professional ice hockey will open up more job opportunities, highlighting potential socio-economic benefits for girls hailing from remote villages in Ladakh.

In essence, Skarma Rinchen's story encapsulates the transformative power of sports and the resilience needed to overcome challenges, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially girls in remote villages of Ladakh and beyond.