Referee Training Programme Kicks Off in New Delhi as Part of Ice Hockey Season 3

New Delhi: The Referee Training Programme for Ice Hockey Season 3 has commenced in Delhi NCR, marking the second on-ground capacity-building initiative of the 2025–26 season. Running from December 1 to 5, the programme brings together more than 20 officials from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, underscoring the ongoing commitment to strengthening the technical foundation of Ice Hockey across the Himalayan region.

Before beginning their on-ice sessions in New Delhi, participating officials completed four virtual modules under the structured, season-long Referee Development Programme. These online classes introduced essential officiating principles, ensuring that all referees entered the practical training phase with a solid understanding of rules, mechanics, and decision-making.

The training is led by Peter Gebei, a veteran Ice Hockey expert from Hungary with over 40 years of experience as a player, referee, and officiating coach. A former member of the Hungarian national team with 57 international caps, Peter transitioned to refereeing after his playing career and went on to officiate in several top international leagues, including the Austrian Hockey League (Erste Bank Eishockey Liga) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Peter’s selection for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Top Division World Championships stands as a testament to his technical skill and consistency at the highest level. As a senior referee, he continues to officiate in major IIHF events worldwide.

In addition to his officiating career, Peter has been instrumental in mentoring rising referees globally as an IIHF Officiating Instructor. He has helped design structured education pathways and contributed significantly to building strong officiating systems internationally. His involvement in India brings global best practices directly into the country’s developing Ice Hockey ecosystem.

Aligned with the Blueprint for Himalayan Ice Hockey Development, this Referee Training Programme reinforces the governance and officiating standards necessary for the sport’s expansion in emerging regions. The week-long initiative blends classroom learning, on-ice demonstrations, and scenario-based assessments to develop a technically capable pool of officials who can support local competitions and community-driven tournaments.

After completing the New Delhi programme, the trained referees will travel to Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to support Learn to Play initiatives and officiate early-season regional camps. They will later form the core officiating team for upcoming developmental leagues in early 2026, including the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup, powered by Royal Enfield, in Himachal Pradesh.

Through such structured efforts, Royal Enfield continues to advance its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport—enhancing technical standards, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and fostering a strong, credible winter sports ecosystem across the region.

With inputs from IANS