In a first, the Ice Hockey Association of India will hold a national tournament in the newly developed open-air rink amidst the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley, officials said on Friday. “We are going to hold the under-20 ice hockey tournament in Himachal Pradesh for the first time. It will start on January 27,” said Ice Hockey Association of India General Secretary Harjinder Singh.

Authorities this week opened the ice rink of 31 metre by 61 metre size by giving a natural coating of thick layers of ice. The rink lies at an altitude of 3,720 metres, the highest in the country as Kaza is located at an altitude higher than Leh, where temperatures plummet below minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter.

According to Singh, winter sports have immense potential in the Spiti Valley where snowfall cover remains at least for five months. “In the coming years, skiing will also be promoted here as locals have much talent and excitement. Right now, the children in the age of eight to 20 are being given coaching in ice hockey. Some of them will be shortlisted for an advance coaching camp in Gulmarg,” he added.