Ice Hockey League Season 3 Set to Launch in Ladakh with Expanded Format

The Ice Hockey League Season 3 is set to kick off in Ladakh from January 29 to February 14, featuring an expanded round-robin format for both men's and women's teams. This season aims to bridge community training with high-level competition, enhancing local livelihoods and empowering youth and women. With new teams joining from Kharu and a focus on officiating standards, the league promises to elevate the sport's ecosystem while fostering community engagement and winter tourism. Discover how this initiative is transforming the landscape of ice hockey in the Himalayas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 20:50 IST

Upcoming Season Details

The Ice Hockey League Season 3 is scheduled to take place in Ladakh from January 29 to February 14. This season will feature a significant enhancement with a round-robin format for both men's and women's divisions, allowing each team to compete against every other team in a total of 75 matches.

Connecting Community and Competition

This league represents the competitive aspect of a broader technical development initiative that began with the training of ice hockey coaches in December 2025, under the guidance of international instructor Darryl Easson. These coaches have returned to their communities to identify talent and systematically prepare teams for the league, effectively linking community training with organized competition.

Focus on Community Development

Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, emphasized that the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is deeply rooted in community development. The initiative aims to enhance local livelihoods, empower youth and women, and establish a clear pathway for emerging talent from the Himalayas. Additionally, the league celebrates cultural pride, uniting communities during the winter months and fostering a shared identity and resilience.

Expansion and New Teams

Taking place in Leh, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for local talent, broadening the sport's reach to new areas and providing players from remote Himalayan communities with exposure to structured league formats and professionally managed competitions. The 2026 edition will feature teams from regions such as Leh, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar, Changthang, and nearby areas, including two new teams from Kharu: the Kharu Eagles (women) and Kharu Falcons (men).

Enhancing Officiating Standards

In line with the development strategy for ice hockey in Ladakh, the league plays a pivotal role in strengthening the sport's ecosystem by connecting grassroots participation with competitive opportunities. To further enhance officiating standards, a dedicated referee training program was conducted for the first time in December 2025, led by IIHF officiating instructor Peter Gebei. This initiative aims to ensure professional game delivery and create a pool of trained referees for future competitions.

Broader Impact on the Community

The Ice Hockey League also significantly contributes to community engagement, youth involvement, and winter tourism in Ladakh. Matches turn frozen rinks into communal spaces, attracting families, local fans, and visitors, while reinforcing the cultural significance of ice hockey in the region. Through this league, Royal Enfield continues to promote its social mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sports, enhancing local sporting ecosystems, building livelihoods, and fostering a vibrant winter sports culture across the Himalayas.