Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup: Indian Army Edge Leh Kings 6-5 to Win Inaugural Ice Hockey Final

Leh, August 7: The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team showcased its championship pedigree under pressure, fighting back from a one-goal deficit in the final period to defeat Leh Kings 6-5 and lift the inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh on Thursday (August 6).

In a pulsating contest that highlighted the rapid rise of Indian ice hockey, the Army side overcame a fearless challenge from the Leh Kings-comprising the best emerging players from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League-to clinch the title with a dramatic late winner from Padma Namgail.

The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for the Indian Army, while Leh Kings earned widespread praise for pushing India’s strongest institutional team to the very end.

Leh Kings Strike First

The underdogs made the brighter start before a packed crowd in Leh.

Tsering Angchuk opened the scoring after finishing off an excellent assist from Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, giving Leh Kings an early advantage and raising hopes of a major upset.

The Army, however, responded almost immediately.

Dorjay Angchuk equalised from Phuntsog Namgail’s pass before Jigmath Kunzang converted Padma Namgail’s assist to hand the defending institutional champions a 2-1 lead at the end of the opening period.

Army Extend Lead, Leh Kings Fight Back

The Indian Army looked to have seized control early in the second period when Rigzin Norboo finished off a move created by Stanzin Namgail to make it 3-1. Leh Kings refused to surrender.

Inspired by Stanzin Angchok, who scored twice in quick succession with assists from Stanzin Lotus and Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, the developmental side erased the two-goal deficit to level the contest at 3-3. The momentum continued to swing.

Rigzin Norboo restored the Army’s advantage with his second goal of the evening before Chamba Tsetan, assisted by Tsering Angchuk, equalised once again to leave the scores locked at 4-4 heading into the decisive final period.

Hat-Trick Sparks Drama Before Army’s Late Response

Leh Kings completed a remarkable turnaround barely a minute into the third period as Stanzin Angchok completed a superb hat-trick to put his side 5-4 ahead.

With their unbeaten record and the inaugural title under threat, the Indian Army showed the composure expected of India’s premier ice hockey side.

Jigmath Kunzang scored his second goal to restore parity before Padma Namgail finished off a perfectly weighted pass from Phuntsog Namgail to score the decisive goal and seal a thrilling 6-5 victory.

Tournament Honours

The tournament’s individual awards reflected the outstanding performances throughout the week.

Indian Army goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament after producing several match-winning performances, while Tsering Angchuk of Leh Kings received the Best Player of the Tournament award following an exceptional campaign.

A New Chapter for Indian Ice Hockey

The inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup successfully fulfilled its objective of bridging grassroots development with elite competition.

Designed under the Royal Enfield Social Mission, the tournament offered players emerging from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League and Spiti Cup the opportunity to compete against India’s leading institutional teams.

Leh Kings’ spirited display against the eventual champions demonstrated the growing quality of Himalayan ice hockey and validated the developmental pathway being created in the region.

The six-day tournament, organised in collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul & Spiti, featured five teams-Indian Army Ice Hockey Team, ITBP, Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors and Spiti Titans-in a round-robin format before the top two advanced to the final.

Hosted at Leh’s newly upgraded all-season artificial ice rink during the peak tourist season, the event attracted more than 15,000 spectators, introducing competitive ice hockey to thousands of visitors while showcasing the sport’s growing popularity beyond the traditional winter months.

Indian Army captain Tsewang Namgyal said the tournament provided invaluable exposure for young players from Ladakh and Spiti.

“Playing in front of large crowds is something we are used to. But for the young players from Ladakh and Spiti, this kind of exposure can be life-changing. It gives these athletes recognition and shows the world what Indian Ice Hockey is building in the Himalayas.”

Meanwhile, Vigyat Singh, Director at Eicher Group Foundation, said the success of the tournament reflected years of investment in building a sustainable ice hockey ecosystem in the region.

“Seeing these players compete toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the country reinforces why continued training and competitive exposure are so important. The Challengers’ Cup is a celebration of that collective effort.”

The inaugural edition not only crowned a champion but also underlined the rapid growth of Indian ice hockey, with Leh Kings proving that the next generation is ready to challenge the country’s best.