Ladakh Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League starts Jan 4

Sun Staff News

Shimla:Ten men’s teams and five women’s teams will compete from January 4th to 13th in the 2nd Royal Enfield Ice Hockey tournament which kicks off on Jan 4 and ends on 13th January at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, Leh.

This year’s league aims to build on the momentum of its inaugural edition, which saw a total of 6000 spectators, once again bringing together local talent from across the region.

The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League 2025 will feature a total of 30 matches ; 23 in the men’s category and 10 in the women’s category. The men’s tournament is structured into two groups of five teams each, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The women’s tournament will also follow a two-group round-robin format, with three and two teams in each group, followed by semi-finals and then finals on January 12. The men’s championship final is set for January 13. 

The League, set to take place following the Losar festivities, aims to provide a sense of community engagement while encouraging players to remain active during the winter months. The initiative is part of Royal Enfield’s Social Mission in Ladakh to showcase local talent and also foster the development of Ice hockey as a key sport in the region.

Changla Blasters
Kangs Sing,Zangskar Chadar Tamers,Maryul Spawo,Shakar Chiktan Royals,Sham Wolves,Purig Warriors,Changthang Shans,United Nubra,Humas Warriors.

Women’s Teams are Maryul Spamo,Sham Eagles,Changla Lamo,Skara Chiktan Queens,Humas Queens.

Organisers said in preparation for the league, Royal Enfield conducted extensive training and scouting camps across Ladakh, including Drass, Zanskar, Nubra, Kargil, Shakar Chiktan, Leh, and Changthang.

The players were trained by coaches who underwent specialised training in Delhi in December 2024 under the mentorship of Darryl Easson, an IIHF-certified coach-instructor who has previously coached for the national teams in the UK and Hungary. 

Royal Enfield’s ongoing commitment to the development of Ice hockey in Ladakh includes several interventions, ranging from grassroots learn-to-play programmes and train-the-trainer initiatives to essential equipment support.

Two skate-sharpening machines have been provided to the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, addressing a critical need for players who previously faced logistical challenges in accessing such facilities, mainly available only in Leh.