Leh, Feb 16: The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 concluded in spectacular fashion as Humas Warriors staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Purig Warriors 3–1 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium and lift the men’s championship trophy. In the women’s category, Sham Eagles emerged as champions, while Shakar Chiktan Queens finished as runners-up.
Organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh (IHAL), the League showcased high-intensity competition, skill development, and growing community engagement across the region. The men’s final remained tightly contested through the first two periods before Humas Warriors delivered a decisive surge in the final period. Goals from Mohd Issa, Ghulam Nabi Tak, and Waseem Bilal secured the victory, completing a remarkable comeback.
The championship-winning teams were felicitated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, with cash prizes of ₹2.5 lakh for winners and ₹1.5 lakh for runners-up. Individual accolades went to Shahid Shabir (Men’s Player of the Final) and Padma Desal (Women’s Player of the Final). Waseem Bilal finished as Top Scorer (Men) with 18 goals, while Padma Desal claimed the Top Scorer (Women) award with 9 goals.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, said,
“Season 3 of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League reflects the impact of grassroots investment in the sport. With higher participation, improved performances, and growing fan engagement, Himalayan ice hockey is entering a more mature and competitive phase. The League demonstrates how long-term support translates into credible, high-quality competition.”
Humas Warriors’ captain, Moheb Ur Rehman Mir, commented,
“The final was tough, but our team stayed patient and trusted each other. The goals belong to the team, built through coordinated effort, pressure, and teamwork. Winning the title is a reflection of collective commitment and determination.”
The day’s proceedings included a short film tracing the journey of ice hockey in Ladakh, cultural performances by Ladakh Dance Academy and hip-hop artist Buda Gyatso, and a ceremonial puck drop to start the final. Season 3 of the League saw participation from regions including Leh, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Kharu, Drass, Kargil, Shakar Chiktan, and Zanskar, reflecting growing community engagement and rising standards of play.