The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) is set to return to the frozen rinks of Ladakh with its third season, scheduled to run from January 29 to February 14, 2026, in Leh.
More than just a sporting event, Season 3 represents a significant step forward in building a sustainable, community-led ice hockey ecosystem in the Himalayas, strengthening pathways for youth and women from some of India’s most remote regions to access structured, high-quality competition.
Organised by Royal Enfield Social Mission in partnership with the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the upcoming season marks the league’s most ambitious edition to date. For the first time, REIHL will adopt an expanded round-robin format across both men’s and women’s categories, featuring 11 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams. Each team will play every other team in its category, resulting in a total of 75 matches over the course of the tournament.
From Training to Competition: A Complete Development Cycle
What distinguishes the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League from conventional tournaments is its place within a broader developmental framework. Season 3 is the competitive culmination of a structured technical programme that began in December 2025 with the training of local ice hockey coaches. The coaching programme, led by international instructor Darryl Easson, focused on improving technical knowledge, training methodologies, and long-term athlete development principles.
Following the training, these coaches returned to their respective communities across Ladakh to scout talent, conduct systematic training sessions, and prepare teams for league participation. The league therefore acts as a critical bridge between grassroots training and organised competition, ensuring that players are not only learning the sport but also applying their skills in a professionally managed, high-intensity environment.
This integrated approach addresses one of the biggest challenges in winter sports development in India the gap between community participation and sustained competitive opportunity.
Expanding the League’s Geographic Footprint
Held in Leh, the league continues to serve as a focal point for ice hockey talent from across Ladakh. Teams participating in the 2026 edition represent regions including Leh, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar, Changthang, and surrounding areas, reflecting the sport’s deep roots across the Himalayan belt.
Season 3 also welcomes new entrants, with two teams from Kharu making their debut: the Kharu Falcons in the men’s category and the Kharu Eagles in the women’s category. Their inclusion highlights the league’s growing reach and its success in encouraging participation from new communities, further decentralizing access to organized sport in the region. For players from these remote areas, the league offers exposure to structured scheduling, refereed matches, and consistent competition experiences that are often unavailable due to geographical isolation and harsh winter conditions.
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In line with the Blueprint for the Development of Ice Hockey in Ladakh, REIHL plays a central role in strengthening the sport’s entire ecosystem. Players competing in the league are drawn from village-level and regional training camps, supported by a growing network of trained coaches and officials developed through Royal Enfield-backed capacity-building initiatives.
A major addition ahead of Season 3 is the introduction of a dedicated referee training program, conducted for the first time in December 2025. Led by International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) officiating instructor Peter Gebei, the program aimed to raise officiating standards, improve rule interpretation, and ensure consistent, professional game delivery throughout the league. By investing in referees alongside players and coaches, REIHL addresses a crucial but often overlooked element of sport development: the need for qualified officials to sustain competitive integrity and long-term growth.
Empowering Communities Through Sport
Beyond competition, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League continues to play a vital role in community life during Ladakh’s long winter months. Frozen rinks transform into shared social spaces, drawing families, local supporters, and visitors alike. Matches become community events, reinforcing ice hockey’s cultural significance in the region and strengthening social bonds.
Bidisha Dey, executive director of the Eicher Group Foundation, emphasized this broader vision. “The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is rooted in community development. Our focus has been to strengthen local livelihoods, empower youth and women, and create a clear pathway for future talent from the Himalayas. The League is also a celebration of culture and pride, where sport brings communities together during the long winter months and reinforces a shared sense of identity and resilience,” she said.
The league also contributes to winter tourism in Ladakh, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience sport in extreme conditions while supporting local economies.
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Through REIHL, Royal Enfield continues to advance its social mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport. The league’s emphasis on inclusivity, capacity building, and long-term planning reflects a commitment to creating sustainable sporting ecosystems rather than short-term showcases.
As Season 3 unfolds in Leh, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League stands as a model for how sport can be used as a tool for development building skills, creating opportunities, and fostering pride in regions where resilience is a way of life. In doing so, it not only strengthens ice hockey in Ladakh but also lays the foundation for a holistic winter sports culture across the Himalayas.
