Hockey on thin ice in Ladakh

Sportstar's February 15 edition takes readers through a recap of the Sportstar Sports Conclave — Focus Bihar. This edition also provides ice hockey's uncertain future in the face of rapid climate change and interview with Mo Farah and Pasha Gademan.

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Ladakh battles climate change to keep its most-loved sport alive

Winter has arrived in Ladakh – with temperatures remaining well below -5°C throughout the day and often plunging below -20°C at night. The Karzoo pond, which has weeds growing in it in the summer, transforms into a vibrant field for the fastest team sport in the world. However, this area, framed by the stunning snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Himalayas, is among several cold zones enduring the brunt of climate change. Karzoo is one of many ponds that have served as potential training grounds for ice hockey in Ladakh. Professional ice hockey, supported by urban infrastructure, seems set to flourish in Ladakh. However, the region’s climate, snowfall, and cold season face an increasingly uncertain future in the face of rapid climate change. Neeladri Bhattacharjee delivers a hard-hitting perspective.

Pasha Gademan and the pursuit of the next ‘sporting high’ in hockey

For Pasha Gademan, it has been quite a journey — from Iran to India, where he is the head coach of Hyderabad Toofans, one of the semifinalists in the Hockey India League. Having previously worked with the German men’s team during its triumphant campaign at the World Cup in 2023, Gademan is seeking?to win a competition unlike anything he has experienced. Even though he is cautious when it comes to stating his ambitions, he is eager to continue chasing the rush of working at the top level. Aashin Prasad with the interview.

Mo Farah

For Mo Farah, it may not have been an easy journey, but with sheer dedication, he went on to achieve what few could even imagine — four Olympic gold medals, six World Championships, and multiple European Championship titles. He also achieved the rare feat of consecutive Olympic long-distance doubles — in London 2012 and Rio 2016. Even after transitioning to marathons in 2017, the legendary athlete made his presence felt. In conversation with Shayan Acharya ?on the sidelines of the Mumbai Marathon, the global icon spoke at length on a range of topics, starting from his early days to how India can develop world-class athletes.

Tapering towards high performance

Whether the athletes’ season consists of one competition or several, it is imperative that they deliver their best performances at the highest levels and emerge victorious. One way coaches and support staff can help ensure athletes are physically and mentally prepared is by implementing a ‘taper phase’, something that has not always been taken seriously due to ignorance or lack of knowledge. One of the major aspects of performance is the combination of tapering and recovery for peak performance at the right time. Ramji Srinivasan?in his latest column.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honours Olympians,?Paralympic stars

Nitish Kumar, the honourable Chief Minister of Bihar, felicitated athletes and para-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective disciplines at the Sportstar Sports Conclave — Focus Bihar held at Taj City Centre on January 25. The players felicitated included Paralympic silver medallist Deepa Malik, Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh, double Olympic bronze medallist P. R. Sreejesh, double Paralympic medallist Sharad Kumar, six-time Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan, and women’s hockey team head coach Harendra Singh. The sporting stars were honoured with a shawl and a cased silver fish.