International short-track field to compete on Dehradun ice
Dehradun will host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026 from 17 to 20 August at the Himadri Ice Rink inside the Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, organisers said. The four-day event will feature more than 270 athletes representing 14 countries, the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI) reported.
Recognised by the International Skating Union (ISU), the tournament returns to India for a second consecutive year and is expected to offer Indian skaters the chance to compete at an international level on home ice.
- Dates: 17–20 August 2026
- Venue: Himadri Ice Rink, Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Dehradun
- Participants: 270+ athletes from 14 countries
- Expected visitors: more than 1,000 (including delegates and support staff)
The ISAI listed participating nations as China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Mongolia, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and host India.
"The competition will not only provide Indian skaters with international exposure on home ice but also help create a pathway towards participation in higher-level international competitions," ISAI president Amitabh Sharma said.
Local impact and sporting significance
Organisers told reporters the event could give a boost to sports tourism in Uttarakhand by drawing athletes, officials and support staff to Dehradun. The tournament’s recognition by the ISU also means results and performances will count towards athletes’ international racing experience, a factor that national coaches and federations use when planning selection for larger meets.
For Dehradun, which hosts the Himadri Ice Rink at the Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, staging a continental-level short-track event provides an opportunity to showcase local infrastructure for winter-sport disciplines that are still developing in India. The repeated selection of India as host for consecutive years suggests confidence from international bodies in the organising capacity of local authorities and the ISAI.
Field composition and competitive outlook
While the ISAI confirmed the number of countries and participants, it did not publish detailed entry lists or the names of skaters. Traditional Asian short-track powers such as China and South Korea are among the entrants; their presence typically raises the competitive standard and provides Indian athletes with high-level opposition on home ice.
Coaches and competitors often use such regional championships to gain points, refine race tactics and prepare for larger international meets. With more than 270 athletes expected, the meet will include heats, semi-finals and finals across usual short-track distances, offering multiple medal opportunities and race experience for entrants at varying levels.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026 |
| Venue | Himadri Ice Rink, Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Dehradun |
| Dates | 17–20 August 2026 |
| Participants | 270+ athletes from 14 countries |
| Expected visitors | 1,000+ |
Organisers said the tournament is intended to serve both as a competitive platform and as a developmental opportunity. Local federations and coaches typically view home events as a chance to expose younger skaters to international racing conditions — from starts and pack-riding to race strategy and officiating standards.
Officials in Uttarakhand and the ISAI will be responsible for operational arrangements, accreditation, ice maintenance and coordination with visiting delegations. The staging of this continental meet for a second straight year follows India’s growing involvement in ice sports events and aligns with efforts by sport bodies to broaden competitive opportunities for Indian athletes.
Further details on event schedules, entries and live results were not available in the ISAI release.
