Leh: The much-anticipated Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League – Season 2 officially began at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh on Friday, bringing together the vibrant community spirit of Ladakh and the thrilling energy of ice hockey. The opening ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Vikram Singh Malik, Secretary of Sports, UT Administration of Ladakh, who initiated the season by dropping the puck for the showcase match between defending champions Kang Sing and Shakar Chiktan Royals.
As part of its commitment to elevate ice hockey in the region, Royal Enfield presented state-of-the-art skate sharpening machines for community use. These machines aim to address a crucial need, providing players from Ladakh’s remote areas with access to world-class equipment to maintain their skates for peak performance.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the league’s jerseys and trophies. The trophy, designed by local artist Nawang Gyalston, captures the essence of Ladakh’s cultural connection to ice hockey, incorporating elements of the snow leopard to symbolize resilience and strength. The teams showcased jerseys crafted from recycled PET bottles, a sustainable initiative in collaboration with T10 Sports.
Speaking on the occasion, Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Season 2 is off to a fantastic start. This league not only brings together teams from across Ladakh but also aligns with our mission to build resilience in 100 Himalayan communities. Through equipment, training, and partnerships, we are committed to nurturing ice hockey in Ladakh.”
Vikram Singh Malik, Secretary of Sports, highlighted the impact of Royal Enfield’s initiatives, stating, “The development of ice hockey in Ladakh has been extraordinary, thanks to Royal Enfield’s passion and dedication. This league is not just a sporting event; it is a platform for young players to showcase their talent and represent Ladakh on national and international stages.”
This year’s league will see 30 matches over 10 days, featuring 23 men’s and 7 women’s games. The men’s tournament includes two groups of five teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The women’s tournament features five teams competing in two groups, leading to semi-finals and a final on January 12. The men’s championship final will take place on January 13.
The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League stands as a celebration of Ladakh’s sporting legacy and its deep connection to ice hockey. By engaging the community during the harsh winter months, the league fosters unity and showcases the spirit of resilience intrinsic to Ladakh’s culture.
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