Leh, Jan 6 (NationPress) Namhail Nangmo etched his name in history on Monday by scoring the quickest goal ever documented in the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League. The third day of Season 2 showcased Maryul Spamo commencing their journey with a convincing 4-0 win against Shakar Chiktan Queens.
In the men’s division, Humas Warriors set an early precedent with a formidable 6-1 victory in the opening match. The reigning champions, Kang Sings and Changthan Shans, continued their impressive streaks, securing wins of 4-1 and 6-2, respectively.
The third day of the league was packed with thrilling action and energetic displays, with goals aplenty throughout the matches, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 is being held in collaboration with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, Leh.
Humas Warriors' Commanding Win
In a fiercely contested match, both teams fought hard to gain the upper hand, leading to a cautious start. However, Zahit Ali from Humas Warriors broke the deadlock with a precise wrist shot just two minutes before the end of the first period. Shortly after, Issa Mohd added to the score with a last-second goal, leaving the Warriors ahead 2-0 at the intermission.
The second period saw the Warriors seize complete control. Zahit Ali netted again in the 22nd minute, marking his brace and extending the lead to 3-0. The momentum continued as Nasoor-ud-din and Issa Mohd each added a goal in the 28th and 35th minutes, respectively. The Warriors’ offense was unyielding, and their defense remained robust, concluding the second period with an imposing 5-0 lead.
In the final period, United Nubra aimed to rally and managed an early consolation goal in the 43rd minute, thanks to Padma Minger. However, the Humas Warriors kept their composure and defensive organization to prevent any further goals. In a dramatic conclusion, team captain Waseem Bilal capped the match with a stunning wrist shot in the final seconds, securing a resounding 6-1 victory for the Warriors.
Kang Sings Continue Their Winning Streak
Building on their momentum from the opening day, defending champions Kang Sings delivered another powerful performance in the second match of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, defeating Changla Blasters 4-1. The Kang Sings started strong, with Stanzin Lotos scoring the first goal in the 6th minute, assisted by Stanzin Angchok. In the 13th minute, Tashi Tsewang doubled the lead with a precise finish, courtesy of a brilliant assist from Lotos.
The second period turned into a defensive struggle, with both teams missing scoring opportunities. The only notable events were two penalties—Ghulam Nabi for elbowing and Stanzin for tripping in the 22nd minute. Despite the heightened tension, the score remained at 2-0 as the period concluded.
The final period witnessed an increase in intensity as both teams shifted to an aggressive style. Changla Blasters ignited hopes for a comeback in the 52nd minute when Tunstup scored with a precise wrist shot from the left corner.
Nevertheless, Kang Sings quickly regained control, with Mushtaq Ahmed and Tashi Tsewang scoring back-to-back goals in the 54th and 55th minutes, effectively clinching the match. As the game slipped away from the Blasters, the defending champions demonstrated their overall superiority, cruising to a 4-1 victory while maintaining their perfect start to the season.
Maryul Spamo Triumphs in Women's Category
The women’s division of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 kicked off with a stellar performance by defending champions Maryul Spamo, who clinched a 4-0 win over Shakar Chiktan Queens.
The match began with a historic moment as Namhail Nangmo scored merely 15 seconds into the game, establishing a new league record for the fastest goal across both men's and women's categories. Nangmo struck again later in the first period with a sharp snapshot, giving the defending champions a solid 2-0 lead at the end of the opening period.
The second period showcased enhanced defensive efforts from both teams. Despite several opportunities, exceptional goaltending from both sides kept the score intact, with Maryul Spamo holding onto their 2-0 advantage.
In the final period, Maryul Spamo reclaimed their dominance. Rinchen Dolma capitalized on a loose puck near the net in the 45th minute, followed closely by Padma Chorol’s precise snapshot in the 48th. Despite numerous offensive efforts from Shakar Chiktan Queens, their attempts were continually thwarted by Dorjey Dolma, the Indian national team goalkeeper, who delivered an outstanding performance. The defending champions sealed the match with a decisive 4-0 victory.
The final match of Day 3 featured a determined Changthang Shans side going up against Maryul Spawo. Their offensive strategy paid off with two swift goals, first by Konchok Namgyal in the 12th minute and then by Phuntsog Namgyal in the 15th. A penalty for Urgan Samstan added some excitement, but the Shans remained in control, finishing the period with a 2-0 lead.
The second period commenced with Changthang Shans capitalizing on their momentum. Rigzen Namgyal scored in the 24th minute, followed by Tsewang Dorjey’s quick strike just 13 seconds later. Dorjey showcased his skills once again with a flawless wrist shot in the 26th minute, completing his double and extending the gap on the scoreboard.
Spawo finally found the net in the 32nd minute through Sonam Paldan, assisted by Rigzin N. However, their celebrations were short-lived as Stanzin Jambal quickly retaliated for the Shans. By the end of the period, the score stood at 6-1 in favor of Changthang Shans.
Entering the final period with a solid 6-1 lead, Changthang Shans played a cautious game. Spawo’s Rigzin N managed to score in the dying minutes, reducing the deficit slightly, but it was too late for a comeback. Nonetheless, the Shans’ defensive strategy held firm, culminating in a commanding 6-2 victory and preserving their momentum in the league.
This year’s Ice Hockey League features an exciting lineup of 30 matches—23 in the men’s category and 7 in the women’s—set to take place over 10 days. The men’s tournament consists of two groups of five teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the women’s tournament includes five teams competing in two groups, culminating in semi-finals and a final on January 12, followed by the men’s championship final on January 13.
