The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team were crowned champions of the inaugural Challengers’ Cup, edging out a spirited Leh Kings side 6–5 in a dramatic final at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.
In a contest that showcased the rapid growth of ice hockey in the Indian Himalayas, the Indian Army held off a fearless challenge from Leh Kings—representing the best emerging talent from the Ice Hockey League—to lift the tournament’s first-ever title before a packed crowd.
Padma Namgail scored the decisive goal in the closing moments of the match, finishing a pass from Phuntsog Namgail to complete a pulsating final that remained in the balance until the final minutes.
Leh Kings made an impressive start, with Tsering Angchuk opening the scoring after converting Mushtaque Ahmad Giri’s assist. The Army responded almost immediately as Dorjay Angchuk levelled the scores before Jigmath Kunzang gave the defending institutional side a 2–1 lead by the end of the opening period.
Rigzin Norboo extended the advantage early in the second period, but Leh Kings mounted an impressive comeback through two quick goals from Stanzin Angchok, assisted by Stanzin Lotus and Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, to draw level at 3–3.
Norboo restored the Army’s lead with his second goal of the evening before Chamba Tsetan equalised for Leh Kings, ensuring the teams entered the final period locked at 4–4.
The momentum shifted dramatically just a minute into the third period when Stanzin Angchok completed a superb hat-trick to hand Leh Kings a 5–4 advantage. Facing the prospect of defeat, the Indian Army demonstrated the composure of seasoned champions. Jigmath Kunzang struck his second goal to restore parity before Padma Namgail netted the match-winner, sealing a memorable 6–5 victory.
Individual honours:
Indian Army goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of commanding performances, while Leh Kings forward Tsering Angchuk received the Best Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding campaign.
Building the future of Indian ice hockey:
Beyond the thrilling final, the tournament underscored the vision behind the Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup—to bridge grassroots development and elite competition by providing emerging players with the opportunity to compete against India’s strongest institutional teams.
Leh Kings’ performance against the eventual champions highlighted the growing standard of young ice hockey players from Ladakh and the wider Himalayan region.
Organised under the collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul & Spiti, the tournament featured five teams in a round-robin competition. Alongside the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team, participating teams included the Central Ice Hockey Team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors and Spiti Titans.
Throughout the competition, regional teams also took part in daily on-ice training sessions with experienced coaches, further strengthening technical skills and tactical awareness.
“When we started this journey, ice hockey in the Himalayas was largely a winter pursuit. Today, the Challengers’ Cup taking place in August at Leh’s all-season artificial ice rink is a testament to how far the ecosystem has come. Seeing these players compete toe-to-toe with some of the country’s best teams reinforces why continued training and increased competitive exposure are so vital.” – said Vigyat Singh, about the remarkable progress of Himalayan ice hockey.
Indian Army captain Tsewang Namgyal highlighted the significance of hosting the tournament during Ladakh’s peak tourism season.
“For young players from Ladakh and Spiti, this level of exposure can be life-changing. Playing before thousands of spectators gives these athletes recognition and showcases the growth of Indian ice hockey to audiences from across the world.”
Held at Leh’s newly upgraded all-season artificial ice rink, the six-day tournament attracted more than 15,000 spectators, introducing competitive ice hockey to both domestic and international visitors during the summer months. The Challengers’ Cup marks an important milestone in creating a sustainable pathway from grassroots participation to elite competition, strengthening the long-term future of ice hockey across the Indian Himalayas.
