Leh (Ladakh): The Ice Hockey League is set to return to Ladakh for its much-awaited second season, taking place from January 4 to January 13 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh. Following the success of the inaugural season, which attracted 6,000 spectators, the 2025 edition aims to build on this momentum, featuring local talent from across the region.
Tournament Format & Schedule
This year, the league will consist of 30 matches over 10 days, with 23 matches in the men’s category and 10 in the women’s. The men’s tournament is divided into two groups of five teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The women’s tournament will follow a two-group round-robin format with three teams in one group and two teams in another, leading to the semi-finals and finals on January 12. The men’s championship final will be held on January 13.
Promoting Community Engagement
Taking place after the Losar festivities, the Ice Hockey League aims to bring the community together while encouraging players to stay active during the winter months. This initiative is part of Royal Enfield’s Social Mission in Ladakh, which seeks to promote local talent and further develop ice hockey as a key sport in the region.
Men’s & Women’s Teams
Men’s Teams:
- 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:
- Maryul Spamo
- Sham Eagles
- Changla Lamo
- Skara Chiktan Queens
- Humas Queens
Training & Preparation
To prepare for the league, Royal Enfield organized extensive training and scouting camps across Ladakh, including regions such as Drass, Zanskar, Nubra, Kargil, Shakar Chiktan, Leh, and Changthang. Players were trained by coaches who received specialized training in Delhi in December 2024 under the mentorship of Darryl Easson, an IIHF-certified coach-instructor with experience coaching national teams in the UK and Hungary.
The return of the Ice Hockey League promises to not only highlight local talent but also strengthen the sport’s presence and development in Ladakh.