The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 women’s title belongs to Sham Eagles. Led by captain Semzes Dolma, the Eagles produced a disciplined and clinical performance to edge past Shakar Chiktan Queens 2–1 in the final at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.
Organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the final saw Sham strike twice in the opening period before holding firm under late pressure to lift the trophy.
A Final Framed by Community and Growth
The championship clash was preceded by a brief ceremony that reflected the league’s growing stature. Tsewang Dolma, Regional Head of the Royal Enfield Social Mission, welcomed the gathering and acknowledged the community’s role in nurturing the sport. A short film tracing the journey of ice hockey in Ladakh and the evolution of the League’s players set the tone for the occasion.
Mr Moses Kunzang, KAS, Administrative Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, and IHAL spokesperson PT Kunzag addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of structured competition in strengthening grassroots development. The ceremonial puck drop by the chief guests alongside the finalists formally set the stage for the contest, and it was Mr Kunzang who later presented the winners’ trophy to Sham Eagles, with Shakar Chiktan Queens finishing as runners-up.
Sham Strike Early
The final, played over three 20-minute periods, began at a sharp tempo. Shakar captain Nissa Khatoon looked to impose herself early, testing Sham goalkeeper Padma Lhundup with probing attempts. The Eagles, however, settled quickly and began to control territory.
The breakthrough arrived in the sixth minute. Captain Semzes Dolma stepped up to convert a drag shot from the centre after a precise build-up involving Rigzen Angmo. The goal injected confidence into Sham’s play, and their defensive structure tightened.
In the 16th minute, the Eagles doubled their advantage. Rigzen Dolma Jr finished off a well-timed move with a sliding tap-in at the far post, giving Sham a 2–0 cushion heading into the first intermission.
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The second period saw Sham maintain the initiative, pressing high and creating chances through Semzes Dolma and Rigzen Angmo. However, Queens goalkeeper Yasmin Akhtar delivered a series of important saves to keep her side within striking distance. Despite sustained attacking pressure from Sham, the scoreline remained unchanged.
Shakar Chiktan Queens emerged in the third period with renewed urgency. Their persistence paid off in the seventh minute when Thupsta Dolkar converted from close range after sustained play around the crease, reducing the deficit to 2–1.
The goal set up a tense final phase. Padma Lhundup produced a key stop to deny Sonam Youndon’s drag shot, while at the other end Yasmin Akhtar kept the Queens in contention by blocking a late slap shot from Semzes Dolma. Sham, however, managed the clock intelligently, maintaining structure and discipline in the defensive zone to see out the narrow victory.
Leadership at the Forefront
After the final whistle, captain Semzes Dolma reflected on the effort required to secure the title.
“Shakar Chiktan Queens pushed us right till the end, and we had to stay disciplined for all three periods. We finished the season without a loss because everyone did their job, shift after shift. Even the goals I scored today weren’t just mine, they were the team’s goals, created by the passes, the screens and the work in the corners. I’m proud of this group and grateful to lift the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League trophy with my team,” she said.
The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for Sham Eagles, underlining their consistency and composure throughout the season.
With the women’s champions crowned, attention now turns to the men’s championship decider on February 14, where Humas Warriors will take on Purig Warriors to conclude Season 3.
Spanning regions from Leh and Nubra to Changthang, Sham, Kharu, Drass (Humas), Kargil, Shakar Chiktan and Zanskar, this edition of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League has showcased the increasing depth and competitiveness of ice hockey in Ladakh. The women’s final provided a fitting example intense, closely contested, and defined by leadership under pressure.
Sham Eagles now stand at the summit, their disciplined display in the final sealing a well-earned Season 3 crown.
