The Indian U18 ice hockey team, spearheaded by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, is set to compete in the U18 Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking a significant moment for the sport in India.
The Gurtej Singh Bhatti-led Indian ice hockey team will compete in the U18 Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 27 to May 3, the national federation announced on Friday.
Apart from India, hosts Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Macau, China will compete in the tournament.
Devansh Sharma and Iftiqar Hussain will be India's alternate captains.
In 2025, the Indian women's team had won a bronze medal at the IIHF Women's Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE, securing the country's first international medal in the sport.
The men's team had earlier claimed silver at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, and more recently represented India at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.
"The last year was a big one for Indian ice hockey. It created real momentum around the sport. Now the U18 boys have their opportunity, and that makes this a very exciting moment for us.
"The fact that this team has players from different states shows the game is growing, and the IIHF U18 Asia Cup gives them the kind of exposure that can shape the future," said Harjinder Singh, General Secretary, Ice Hockey Association of India.