Purig Warriors produced the standout result of Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 so far, becoming the first team to defeat defending champions Kangs Sing with a determined 4–2 victory at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.
The result snapped Kangs Sing’s unbeaten run this season and underlined Purig’s growing stature as a genuine contender in the league.
The day’s opening fixture began at a high tempo, with both sides testing each other in a scoreless first period marked by strong defensive discipline. Kangs Sing enjoyed extended spells of pressure, but Purig’s backline absorbed it well, keeping the reigning champions at bay. The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second period when Gonbo Tashi gave Kangs the lead, momentarily reinforcing their authority in the league.
Purig, however, responded with composure and intent. Captain Sajjad Hussain led from the front, levelling the score with a well-executed drag shot from the centre that shifted momentum decisively. Zakir Hussain then struck twice in quick succession, capitalising on lapses in the Kangs defence to give Purig a firm grip on the contest. Those goals forced the champions onto the back foot for the first time this season.
Kangs Sing attempted a late rally in the third period and pulled one goal back through Sonam Wangail’s tap-in, setting up a tense finish. But any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the closing moments when Bashar Ahmad sealed the win with a decisive drag shot just 20 seconds from the final buzzer. The result not only delivered Purig a landmark victory but also signalled that the title race is beginning to open up.
In the second men’s match of the day, Kharu Falcons secured a hard-fought 4–2 win over United Nubra in a contest that swung decisively in the middle stages. After a goalless opening period, Nubra struck first through Stanzin Chotak early in the second. The response from the Falcons was immediate, with Urgain Norbu restoring parity within a minute. From there, Kharu grew in confidence, as Jigmet Stanzin converted a tap-in before Urgain added his second and Jigmet Choster extended the lead.
United Nubra showed late resistance, with Tashi Chostak finding the net in the final minute through a drag shot, but the Falcons maintained their composure to see out the game and collect valuable points.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
The women’s fixture saw Shakar Chiktan Queens register their first win of the season with a composed 3–1 victory over Changla Lamos. Captain Nissa Khatoon set the tone by opening the scoring in just the second minute. The Queens extended their advantage in the second period, with Thupstan Dolker and Tsewang Lhadol both finding the net to establish control. Changla Lamos responded in the third period through Thinles Angmo, assisted by Sonam Yangdol, but the Queens’ structured play ensured there was no further shift in momentum.
Changla Blasters delivered the most emphatic result of the day, overpowering Maryul Spawo 7–2. Stanzin Norboo starred with two goals, including the opener in the second minute and the final strike in the dying moments. Rigzin Dorjey also finished with a brace, while captain Namgyal Norboo, Jigmet Deskong and Stanzin Namgyal contributed to a relentless attacking display. Maryul Spawo managed replies through Asif Ali and Stanzin Tundup, but were unable to slow the Blasters’ charge.
The final match of the day provided another closely fought encounter, as Shakar Chiktan Royals edged Zanskar Chadar Tamers 3–2. Mohd Iqbal opened the scoring midway through the first period, and the Royals carried a narrow lead into the break. After a scoreless second period, the third saw goals flow rapidly. Rinchen Wangyal levelled for the Tamers before Gulzar Hussain restored the Royals’ lead. Tsering Sangay equalised again moments later, but Syed Mehdi struck the decisive winner with a precise wrist shot to secure the points.
Day eight of the league, scheduled for February 5, will see Sham Wolves face Kangs Sing, followed by Changathang Shans versus Kharu Falcons, a women’s clash between Sham Eagles and Humas Queens, Purig Warriors taking on Changla Blasters, and Humas Warriors meeting Zanskar Chadar Tamers.
As the league phase progresses, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 continues to deliver competitive intensity across both men’s and women’s categories. With defending champions now beaten and mid-table battles tightening, the season is shaping into a compelling contest that reflects the growing depth, passion and winter sporting culture of Ladakh.
