New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) The Referee Training Programme for Ice Hockey Season 3 is currently underway in Delhi NCR, marking the second on-ground capacity-building intervention of the 2025–26 season. Held from December 1 to 5, the programme brings together over 20 officials from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, reinforcing the continued focus on strengthening the technical backbone of Ice Hockey across the Himalayan region.

Ahead of the on-ice session in New Delhi, participating officials completed four virtual modules as part of this structured, season-long Referee Development Programme. These online sessions introduced foundational officiating concepts, ensuring that all referees began on-ice training with a shared baseline of rules, mechanics, and situational decision-making.

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

His selection for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Top Division World Championships reflects his technical excellence and consistency at the highest level. As a senior referee, he continues to officiate global IIHF competitions.

Beyond officiating, Peter has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging referees globally as an IIHF Officiating Instructor, shaping structured education pathways and contributing to the development of strong officiating ecosystems internationally. His leadership brings global standards and expertise directly into the Indian context.

Aligned with the Blueprint for Himalayan Ice Hockey Development, the Referee Training Programme strengthens the governance and officiating standards required for the sport’s growth in emerging regions. The week-long training combines classroom sessions, on-ice demonstrations, and scenario-based evaluations to build a technically sound pool of officials capable of supporting developmental competitions and community-led tournaments.

Following the completion of the programme in New Delhi, trained officials will travel to Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to support Learn to Play activities and officiate in early-season regional camps. They will then form the core officiating group for the 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 interventions, Royal Enfield continues to advance its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport, strengthening technical standards, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and building a resilient and credible winter sports ecosystem across the region.

–IANS

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