A significant initiative to bolster the technical foundations of ice hockey across India's Himalayan region is currently in progress. The Referee Training Programme for the sport's third season is now underway in Delhi NCR, representing a crucial step in developing a skilled officiating pool.
Building Capacity for the Himalayan Ice Hockey Circuit
This programme, running from December 1 to 5, marks the second major on-ground training effort of the 2025–26 ice hockey season. It has drawn participation from over 20 officials representing the key mountain states of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The focus is squarely on creating a robust technical backbone to support the sport's rapid development in these emerging regions.
Prior to the practical on-ice sessions in New Delhi, all participating officials completed a structured preparatory phase. This involved four comprehensive virtual modules that formed part of the season-long Referee Development Programme. These online sessions were designed to establish a common foundation, introducing core officiating concepts, rules, mechanics, and decision-making protocols. This ensured everyone started the hands-on training with a shared baseline of knowledge.
Global Expertise Meets Local Development
Leading this intensive training is Peter Gebei, a highly respected ice hockey professional from Hungary. Gebei brings an extraordinary wealth of experience spanning over four decades as a player, referee, and officiating coach. His credentials are impressive: a former member of the Hungarian national team with 57 international caps, he transitioned to refereeing after his playing career. He has officiated at the pinnacle of the sport, including in top-tier leagues like the Austrian Hockey League (Erste Bank Eishockey Liga) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
His selection to officiate at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Top Division World Championships stands as a testament to his technical excellence. Beyond his on-ice duties, Gebei plays a vital global role as an IIHF Officiating Instructor, mentoring new referees worldwide and helping shape structured education systems. His involvement directly injects international standards and expertise into the Indian ice hockey ecosystem.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
This training initiative is closely aligned with the broader Blueprint for Himalayan Ice Hockey Development. It aims to strengthen the governance and officiating standards essential for the sport's organic growth. The week-long curriculum is a blend of theoretical classroom instruction, practical on-ice demonstrations, and scenario-based evaluations. The goal is to create a technically proficient group of officials who can reliably support developmental competitions and community-driven tournaments.
The programme's impact will extend far beyond Delhi. Upon completion, the newly trained officials will immediately put their skills to use. They will travel to Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to support 'Learn to Play' grassroots activities and officiate in early-season regional camps. Subsequently, this group will form the core officiating team for major developmental leagues scheduled for early 2026. These include the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup in Himachal Pradesh, which is also powered by Royal Enfield.
Through such focused, structured interventions, Royal Enfield advances its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport. The effort is multifaceted, aiming to elevate technical standards, create expanded opportunities for youth and women, and ultimately foster a resilient and credible winter sports ecosystem across the region.
