Leh, Ladakh | January 16, 2026:
Strengthening grassroots sports in the Himalayas, Royal Enfield Social Mission supported the inaugural Himalayan Pond Hockey Championship at Gupuks Pond near Leh, expanding access to ice hockey through a community-led, inclusive format.
Organised in partnership with Thin Ice Adventure from January 9 to 16, the week-long initiative focused on introducing ice hockey at the grassroots level while celebrating Ladakh’s strong winter sports culture.
The programme began with a five-day “Learn to Play” initiative, where over 40 local children were trained in basic skating and ice hockey skills by a mix of local and international coaches. The sessions aimed to build confidence, early exposure, and a safe learning environment for first-time players. Reinforcing inclusivity, a sledge hockey exhibition match was also held with the support of the People’s Action Group of Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR), highlighting ice hockey’s potential as a sport for all.
The learning phase culminated in the Himalayan Pond Hockey Championship on January 15 and 16, featuring 17 amateur teams competing in a fast-paced 3v3 format. A total of 170 matches were played, with each team playing 10 games, turning the frozen lake into a vibrant sporting arena.
Teams from Ladakh and abroad—including Tejasvi Teen, Team Slayer, Always First, LA Kings, Mighty Pucks, and several international sides—took part. Players from eight nationalities, including children, women, men, and foreign participants, shared the ice, underlining the open and community-driven spirit of pond hockey.
The championship concluded with Tejasvi Teen emerging as the winners of the inaugural edition, registering nine wins and one draw. Team Slayer finished second, followed by Always First in third place.
Individual honours went to Phuntsog Gyaltsan (Top Scorer), Tashi Namgyal (Most Valuable Player), and Rigzin Chilam (Accuracy Champion).
Beyond competition, the event unfolded as a festive community gathering, drawing families, locals, and visitors, and reinforcing ice hockey’s role as a social and cultural anchor during Ladakh’s long winters.
The Pond Hockey Championship also serves as a build-up to the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League – Season 3, scheduled in Leh from January 29 to February 14, 2026.
Through initiatives like this, Royal Enfield Social Mission continues its commitment to empowering Himalayan communities through sport—creating pathways for youth and women, building resilient local ecosystems, and preserving ice hockey as a living expression of Himalayan winter life.
