Face2News/Chandigarh 

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today interacted with the Chandigarh Ice Hockey Teams (Men and Women) at Lok Bhavan, Punjab, following their impressive performance at the Khelo India Winter Games held in Ladakh. He congratulated the teams for bringing honor to the Union Territory.

The Administrator praised the men’s team for winning the silver medal and the women’s team for securing bronze medal in their debut at the national-level Khelo India Winter Sports event. He described the achievement as a proud moment for Chandigarh and praised the teams for their determination and resilience while competing against teams from ice-hockey strongholds such as Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

This year, the Chandigarh contingent comprised 20 boys, 18 girls, two coaches and supporting officials. Despite infrastructural and climatic challenges, the teams delivered a commendable performance. The Administrator appreciated the dedication of the players and praised the coaches and the Chandigarh Sports Department for their training and support.

During the interaction, the President of the Ice Hockey Association of India briefed the Governor on the growth of ice hockey in India and noted that winter sports are gaining popularity beyond the Himalayan region and urged greater institutional support for the sport.

Addressing the players, Shri Kataria said that the Administration is working to further strengthen sports facilities and to examine sports-related benefits within its capacity, in line with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on strengthening sports culture.

Also present during the interaction Shri V.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab; Shri Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration; coaches and Representative of Ice Hockey Association of India