India to host first Asian Skating Trophy at country’s lone Olympic-sized ice rink in Dehradun

India will host its first Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy championship in Uttarakhand. This was announced by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI) in Dehradun on Saturday.

Sharing the details Amitabh Sharma, President ISAI informed the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025, ever hosted in the country will be organised from August 20 to August 23 in Dehradun. The international skating tournament will witness participation from 11 Asian nations China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines competing in nine distances ranging from 222 metre sprints to 5000 metres relays. According to Sharma championship will be held in junior and senior categories.

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Nearly 240 skaters and officials will take part in the event with contingent size of 18 from China, 27 from Hong Kong, 11 Indonesia, 13 Japan, eight from Malaysia, two players from Philippines, five from Singapore, 25 from Thailand, 19 Chinese Taipei, 16 Vietnam and 95 members from India.

Sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU) and organized by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI), “This event signifies a bold leap for India’s presence on the global ice sports map. All winter sports especially ice sports in India are still in a nascent stage of their growth. But with the revival of Dehradun ice rink, it’s like our tryst with destiny. This is only international class ice rink to host tournament like this,” said Amitabh Sharma.

He added, “We are building a future where India can host even larger events like the Junior World Cup by 2027. While it’s India’s Dream to host the 2036 olympics, this event is a way to showcase our capabilities, experience and hospitality to the world.” He is also a member of the Indian Olympic Association Executive Council.

It’s notable that Dehradun based Himadri Ice Rink is India’s only Olympic-sized ice rink to host Asian ice skating champion of international class ratified by ISU. The rink remained shut for several years due to high maintenance costs, is now a symbol of resurgence, having recently hosted the 20th National Skating Championships.

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