Leh, Ladakh, Aug 7: The inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup delivered a fitting finale as the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team survived a stirring challenge from Leh Kings, securing a 6-5 victory to lift the tournament’s first-ever title at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.
Representing the best emerging talent from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Leh Kings, as per a statement, matched the nation’s most accomplished Ice Hockey team stride for stride in a breathtaking contest before eventually falling to a late winner, underlining the strength of the developmental pathway created under the Royal Enfield Social Mission. Padma Namgail struck the decisive goal in the closing moments, finishing off a pass from Phuntsog Namgail to cap a pulsating final played before a packed crowd.
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.
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