Ice Hockey League Season 3 Set to Kick Off in Ladakh with Expanded Format
Exciting Return of the Ice Hockey League
The Ice Hockey League Season 3 is poised to make its comeback in Ladakh, running from January 29 to February 14. This season introduces a significant enhancement with a full round-robin format for both men's and women's divisions, featuring a total of 75 matches where each team will face every other team.
This competitive segment is part of a broader technical development initiative that commenced with the training of ice hockey coaches in December 2025, under the guidance of international expert Darryl Easson. These coaches have since returned to their communities to identify and nurture talent, preparing teams for the League. The League effectively bridges community training with organized, high-quality competition.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, emphasized, "The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is deeply rooted in community development. Our aim is to enhance local livelihoods, empower youth and women, and establish a clear pathway for future talent from the Himalayas. This League also celebrates culture and pride, uniting communities during the long winter months and fostering a shared sense of identity and resilience."
Taking place in Leh, the tournament remains a crucial platform for local talent, broadening the sport's reach and providing players from remote Himalayan areas 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).
In line with the development strategy for ice hockey in Ladakh, the League plays a pivotal role in strengthening the sport's ecosystem by linking grassroots participation with competitive opportunities.
To further enhance the sport, a dedicated referee training program was introduced for the first time in December 2025, led by IIHF officiating instructor Peter Gebei. This initiative aims to improve officiating standards and ensure professional game delivery for the League while creating a pool of trained referees for future regional competitions.
Beyond the realm of sports, the Ice Hockey League significantly contributes to community engagement, youth involvement, and winter tourism in Ladakh. Matches turn frozen rinks into communal gathering 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 pursue its social mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sports, enhancing local sporting ecosystems, building livelihoods, creating opportunities for youth and women, and promoting a comprehensive winter sports culture across the Himalayas.