Leh, 07 August (H.S.): The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team won the inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers Cup after defeating Leh Kings 6-5 in a thrilling final. The match, played at the Nawang Dorje Stobdan (NDS) Stadium on Thursday, witnessed an intense battle that went down to the final moments.

Leh Kings, featuring players who emerged from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, gave a tough challenge to one of the country’s strongest ice hockey teams. Padma Namgyal scored the decisive goal in the dying moments of the game off a pass from Phuntsog Namgyal, securing a dramatic 6-5 victory for the Indian Army.

Leh Kings made a strong start to the contest, with Tsering Angchuk scoring the opening goal from Mushtaq Ahmad Giri’s assist to give his team the lead. However, the Indian Army quickly responded through goals from Dorje Angchuk and Jigmet Kunchang, ending the first period with a 2-1 advantage.

At the beginning of the second period, Rigzin Norbu extended the Indian Army’s lead to 3-1 with a goal. However, Leh Kings continued to fight back, with Stanzin Angchok scoring two consecutive goals to level the score at 3-3. Rigzin Norbu then restored the Indian Army’s lead, but Chamba Tsetan’s goal brought Leh Kings back on level terms at 4-4.

In the opening moments of the third and final period, Stanzin Angchok completed his hat-trick to put Leh Kings ahead 5-4. Under pressure, the Indian Army displayed its experience and composure. Jigmet Kunchang equalised before Padma Namgyal struck the winning goal to secure the historic title for his team.

For his outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Indian Army goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named the Best Goalkeeper, while Leh Kings’ Tsering Angchuk was declared the Player of the Tournament.

The competition was organised jointly by the Royal Enfield Social Mission, Ladakh Ice Hockey Association, and Lahaul-Spiti Ice Hockey Association. Five teams — the Indian Army, ITBP Central Ice Hockey Team, Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors, and Spiti Titans — participated in the tournament. After the league stage, the top two teams advanced to the final.

Indian Army Ice Hockey Team captain Tsewang Namgyal said, “We are accustomed to playing in front of large crowds, but for young players from Ladakh and Spiti, this experience can be life-changing. Hosting this tournament during the tourism season allowed thousands of spectators to watch ice hockey for the first time and witness the talent of local players closely. It provided recognition to the athletes and showcased a new image of Indian ice hockey emerging in the Himalayas before the world.”

More than 15,000 spectators witnessed the six-day tournament held at Leh’s state-of-the-art all-season ice rink. Organisers believe that the competition will prove to be a significant step towards promoting the growth of ice hockey in the Himalayan region and helping young players reach the national level.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar