The inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup ended with a thrilling contest as the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team edged Leh Kings 6-5 to claim the maiden title at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium in Leh. Leh Kings, featuring some of the standout young players from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, pushed the experienced Army side throughout a high-scoring final. The teams remained locked in a closely fought battle before Padma Namgail produced the decisive moment in the closing stages. He converted a pass from Phuntsog Namgail to seal victory for the Army team.
Leh Kings made the brighter start, with Tsering Angchuk opening the scoring after converting Mushtaque Ahmad Giri’s precise assist. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team responded almost immediately as Dorjay Angchuk restored parity from Phuntsog Namgail’s pass before Jigmath Kunzang scored another for the institutional side, converting Padma Namgail’s assist for a 2-1 lead, placing them ahead for the first time by the end of the opening period.
They stretched their advantage early in the second period when Rigzin Norboo finished off a move created by Stanzin Namgail to make it 3-1. Leh Kings, however, refused to back down. Inspired by Stanzin Angchok, who struck twice in quick succession with assists from Stanzin Lotus and Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League side battled back to draw level at 3-3.
Rigzin Norboo restored the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team’s lead with his second goal of the evening, only for Leh Kings to respond once again as Chamba Tsetan converted Tsering Angchuk’s assist to send the teams into the final period locked at 4-4.
Leh Kings completed a remarkable turnaround just 60 seconds into the third period as Stanzin Angchok completed a superb hat-trick to put his side 5-4 ahead. With their unbeaten record under threat, the title winners demonstrated the composure that has made them India’s benchmark in Ice Hockey.
Jigmath Kunzang levelled the contest with his second goal of the night before Padma Namgail, assisted by Phuntsog Namgail, struck the decisive winner to seal a pulsating 6-5 victory and the inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup title.
The tournament’s individual honours reflected the quality on display throughout the week. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team’s goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament following a series of commanding performances, while Leh Kings forward Tsering Angchuk earned the Best Player of the Tournament award after an outstanding campaign.
(With inputs from ANI)
