our story

The Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) was founded from the vision of Chamba Tsetan, whose life has been deeply shaped by the mountains, winters, and sporting culture of Ladakh. Growing up in the remote Changthang region, Chamba discovered ice hockey while studying at the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, where he first learned the sport on natural frozen ponds.

​

His passion took him to represent India in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia from 2016–2018. In 2017, Team India won a historic silver medal, with Chamba being named Best Forward of the Tournament. In 2025, he represented India at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin as the team's Assistant Captain. Following his training in Finland through the International Ice Hockey Federation's Learn to Play program, Chamba returned to Ladakh determined to build strong grassroots pathways for young athletes.

​

Throughout this journey, his close friend Dorjay Namgyal remained a constant supporter. Sharing a lifelong passion for sports and community development, Dorjay helped transform Chamba's vision into a broader movement. Together, they founded the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh to create opportunities for youth through adventure, winter sports, education, leadership, and community empowerment.

​

One of ASFL's flagship initiatives is the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon, one of the world's highest-altitude endurance events held on the frozen Pangong Lake, promoting adventure tourism, environmental awareness, and community participation while showcasing Ladakh as a global destination for winter sports.

​

Today, ASFL continues to develop grassroots talent and inspire young people across the Himalayan region, with the long-term vision of helping future generations represent India on the world stage, including the Olympic Games.