Hockey in the Himalayas

Now this is one for the record books – Guinness, that is

Ian Stalker

(Photo above: Hockey is building a following in the Himalayan Indian region of Ladakh, with a February tournament hoping to earn a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.)

Adam Sherlip is inviting people to take in a little Hockey Night in Ladakh, with entire games certain to be true high-lights.
Sherlip is executive director of The Hockey Foundation, which “uses hockey to change lives around the world” for the better, and the foundation is touting the Feb. 5–7 Hockey Goes Higher tournament in the lofty Indian region of Ladakh, with organizers wanting the Guinness Book of World Records to recognize the contest as hosting the world’s highest hockey games.
Games will be played around 14,000 feet.
“Tourists can come and watch the Guinness games, but we have limited space and so people must pay to attend,” he says. “The fee is US$300 and that covers transport, from Leh, accommodation and food while at the event site, which is in a remote part of eastern Ladakh.”
The idea of a hockey tournament in cricket-loving India, much of which is covered in humid jungle or scorching desert, might leave some scratching their heads. But wintery Ladakh is in the Himalayas and is distinctive culturally, Sherlip reports.
“They’re culturally, religiously and ethnically distinct from the rest of the country, although they’re proud to be part of India,” he says, adding Ladakh residents have “adopted hockey as their new ‘national’ sport, replacing their traditional sports of archery and polo.”
Sherlip says local hockey skills are improving, thanks in part to equipment donated by The Hockey Foundation, but are somewhat hampered by limited hockey facilities. The foundation has bought international regulation rink boards from Europe and shipped them to Ladakh for the event, after which they’ll be donated to locals.
The caliber of players planning to participate for the upcoming event ranges from beginner to semi-pro, and it’s open to all who love the game.
Registration is still open and costs US$750. Most players will be North American or European, but there will also be Ladakhis.
Ladakh’s tourist trade has traditionally relied on trekkers wanting to explore the Himalayas, and Sherlip acknowledges that the world’s highest mountain range is the “star of the region.” But he adds that trekkers and mountaineers who also appreciate hockey can take in some matches with locals who Sherlip says are certain to be enthusiastic.
“Hockey has become the pastime of the region of Ladakh in winter,” he states. “The region lives and breathes hockey in a way that gives goosebumps to Canadians.”
More information can be found at www.generosity.com/sports-fundraising/hockey-goes-higher-with-altitude .