Spiti Cup Season 3 Launches with Expanded Winter Sports Festival in the Himalayas
The Spiti Cup has officially returned for its highly anticipated third season, running from February 7 to 11, 2026. This premier winter sports initiative continues to solidify its role as a cornerstone event in the Himalayan region, bringing together athletes, volunteers, families, and supporters from across Spiti Valley and beyond. Hosted in the extreme winter conditions of Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, the tournament showcases a vibrant blend of ice hockey and speed skating, fostering community engagement and sport-led development during the harsh cold months.
Enhanced Scale and Structure for 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition marks a significant step forward in both scale and organization. This year, the tournament expands to 22 matches, up from 18 in the previous season, reflecting its growing popularity and regional impact. Teams from five distinct zones—Center, Lahaul, Pin, Sham, and Tod—will compete across three key categories: Senior Men, Women, and U-18 Boys. Notably, Lahaul makes its debut in the Senior Men's category, enhancing inter-valley participation and reinforcing the Spiti Cup's expanding footprint in the Himalayas.
Opening Day Highlights and Ceremonial Events
The tournament commenced on February 7th with an Open Speed Skating event, setting an energetic tone for the five-day competition. Following this, fixtures across all three ice hockey categories took center stage. Key opening matches included Tod Zone facing defending champions Center Zone in the Women's category, and Sham Zone U-18 Boys competing against Pin Zone boys. The day was further elevated by the Opening Ceremony, held mid-day at the Kaza Rink, with Chief Guest Shri Chhatar Singh Thakur, Congress Youth President and Vice-Chairman of the State Sports Council, Himachal Pradesh, alongside Guests of Honour Shri Tsering Bodh and Dr. Vikas Rowpa. This ceremony formally inaugurated the Spiti Cup 2026, uniting players from remote villages and valleys to promote physical fitness and meaningful winter engagement.
Tournament Format and Daily Schedule
Over the five-day period, the Spiti Cup features a packed schedule with four to five matches daily, combining thrilling ice hockey and speed skating competitions. The league format ensures that each team competes against every other in its category, with the Senior Men's category comprising 10 matches, while the Women's and U-18 Boys categories each include six matches. This structured approach guarantees intense competition and fair play throughout the event.
Grand Finale and Closing Ceremony
The Spiti Cup 2026 will culminate on February 11th with final league matches across all categories. The concluding day features the Speed Skating finals, followed by decisive ice hockey clashes, including Tod Zone versus Pin Zone in the Women's category, Center Zone taking on Lahaul in the Senior Men's category, and Sham U-18 Boys playing Center U-18 Boys. The tournament wraps up with a Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution, graced by Chief Guest Smt. Anuradha Rana, MLA of District Lahaul & Spiti, and Guests of Honour Shri Gain Sagar Negi, Shri Jeewan Singh Negi, and Shri Sanjeeban Roy. This ceremony will celebrate champions across categories and recognize individual and team achievements, such as the Fair Play Award, Player of the Tournament, and Top Scorers, highlighting excellence and sportsmanship.
Grassroots Development and Training Initiatives
The Spiti Cup is the culmination of an extensive winter-long grassroots program involving 12 village- and cluster-level clubs. Players undergo nearly a month of training during winter before forming zonal teams in Kaza. Ahead of the tournament, coaches from across the region participated in structured training led by international instructor Darryl Easson, focusing on technical skills, long-term athlete development, and game management. These trained coaches have since returned to their communities to scout talent and prepare teams systematically, with over 500 children and youth participating in structured ice hockey training in the month preceding the event. Referee training initiatives were also conducted to strengthen officiating capacity, ensuring high standards of competition.
Inclusive Speed Skating and Regional Impact
Alongside ice hockey, the Spiti Cup once again features Speed Skating competitions across Under-16, Under-18, and senior categories, attracting athletes from beyond Spiti, including skaters from Cheog in Shimla district. As the Spiti Cup enters its third season, it continues to build a sustainable winter sports ecosystem in the Himalayas by strengthening pathways for players, coaches, and officials, and expanding access to competition for future talent. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also fosters community spirit and development in one of India's most challenging winter landscapes.
