From local talent to international icon, Faheem’s journey in IcestockSport highlights India’s rise and ambitions on the world stage
Faheem Masood Shah has now represented India in 175+ international matches, making him one of the most consistent and decorated athletes in IcestockSport. His participation in the World Championship in Austria (Kapfenberg & Stanz, March 2-9, 2025) further solidified India’s presence in the global arena. Faheem played a crucial role in securing a Bronze Medal and a 4th-place finish in the Team Long Distance event while also leading the Indian squad to a Team Game world ranking of 7. With India’s rapid rise in the sport, experts believe the nation has a strong chance of reaching the top rankings in upcoming championships, making India a formidable competitor on the global stage.
Early Life & Passion for Sports
Faheem Masood Shah, born in Batamaloo, Srinagar, developed a passion for sports early on. Excelling in football, cricket, and rugby, he eventually transitioned to IcestockSport, a Winter Olympic discipline traditionally dominated by European nations. Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a master’s degree in Data Science and AI, his unwavering dedication to sports showcases the perfect balance between education and athletics.
Journey into IcestockSport
In 2014, Faheem discovered IcestockSport during a snow rugby match in Gulmarg, organized by J&K Tourism and Manfred Schafer, then President of the International Federation of IcestockSport. His natural skill and adaptability quickly made him a standout player, setting the foundation for India’s growing presence in the sport.
International Recognition & Achievements
Faheem has competed in over 195 international matches, proudly representing India, J&K, Apollo Teams, and various global clubs. His first major international game against Namibia was a defining moment, proving his ability to compete against experienced teams.
Major Achievements (2014-2025)
National & International Competitions
2nd National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Feb 2015)
1 Gold & 1 Silver (Team Game, Individual Target)
4th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Jan 2018)
2 Gold & 3 Silver (Team Game, Team Target, Individual Target, Individual Long Distance, Team Long Distance)
World Championship (Austria, Amstetten & Winklarn, Feb 2018)
India ranked 9th, delivering a promising performance at the World Championship.
5th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Jan 2019)
1 Gold (Individual Target), 1 Gold (Team Long Distance), 1 Silver (Team Game), 1 Gold (Team Target Competition)
International China Cup (Harbin, China, October 2019)
Bronze Medal, India ranked 3rd in the Team Game Competition and became the number one team in Asia.
World Championship (Germany, Regen Bayern, 2020)
Ranked #8 in the world (Team Game) and #9 in (Team Target)
7th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, March 2021)
1 Silver (Team Target), 1 Bronze (Team Distance)
8th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Feb 2022)
1 Gold (Team Game), 1 Gold (Team Target)
World Championship (Ritten, Italy, 2022)
Ranked #8 in the world (Team Game), sustaining the earlier position.
Summer National IcestockSport Tournament (Srinagar, August 2022)
2 Gold (Team Target, Team Game), 1 Bronze (Team Distance), 1 Silver (Individual Distance)
9th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Feb 2023)
1 Gold (Team Game), 1 Gold (Team Long Distance), 1 Silver (Team Target Competition)
3rd Khelo India Winter Games (Gulmarg, 2023)
1 Gold (Team Target), 2 Silver (Team Distance, Team Game), 1 Bronze (Individual Target)
National SummerStock Championship (Pune, 2023)
1 Gold (Individual Target), 1 Gold (Team Long Distance), 1 Gold (Team Game), 1 Silver (Team Target Competition)
10th National Winter IcestockSport Tournament (Gulmarg, Feb 2024)
3 Gold (Team Target, Team Distance, Team Game), 2 Silver (Individual Long Distance, Individual Target)
National SummerStock Championship (Srinagar, 2024)
1 Silver (Team Game Competition), 1 Silver (Team Target)
Winter Championship (Jan 30-31, 2025)
1 Gold (Individual Target), 1 Gold (Team Long Distance), 1 Silver (Team Target Competition)
World Championship (Austria, 2025)
Bronze Medal (Team Long Distance), 4th Position (Team Long Distance), Ranked #7 in the world (Team Game)
Record-Breaking Performances
First-ever Indian Gold Medalist in IcestockSport
Most Consistent Performer in Indian Icestock History
Two-time Captain of the Indian International Icestock Team
A Voice for Youth in Sports
Faheem played a key role in Jammu & Kashmir’s Icestock team during their successful campaign in Srinagar, leading to an impressive medal tally:
Gold Medals: Team Game, Individual Target
Silver Medals: Long Distance, Team Target
Bronze Medals: Long Distance Individual
Beyond competition, Faheem actively promotes youth engagement in sports, advocating for more tournaments and training programs. He firmly believes that sports foster physical and mental well-being, shaping future generations.
“Encouraging children to play should be a priority,” he emphasizes.
Versatility in Sports: Rugby & Beyond
Before IcestockSport, Faheem was a national rugby player. His experience in rugby, football, and cricket helped develop his speed, agility, and teamwork skills, which proved essential in his Icestock journey.
Challenges & Vision for the Future
Despite his success, Faheem faces challenges due to the lack of funding and sponsorships. Unlike European nations with strong government backing for winter sports, India is still developing its winter sports infrastructure.
Faheem’s Dream:
Winning an Olympic Gold Medal for India in IcestockSport.
As he prepares for the European Championships and Olympic qualifiers, Faheem continues to advocate for better training facilities, government support, and sponsorships to boost India’s global standing in winter sports. His journey—from playing rugby in Srinagar to becoming a global IcestockSport icon—is a testament to dedication, resilience, and excellence.
With India now recognized as a serious contender in IcestockSport, the future holds immense potential, and Faheem Masood Shah remains at the forefront of this revolution.