Leh, February 9(KNB): Humas Warriors and Kangs Sing secured qualification for the semi-finals of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 after finishing Day Twelve level on points at the top of the standings at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, Leh. Organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the league saw both teams reach 24 points, with Humas Warriors retaining first place on goal difference.
In the women’s category, Sham Eagles, Kharu Eagles and Shakar Chiktan Queens confirmed their places in the finals. The day also marked the first draw of the men’s competition, as Shakar Chiktan Royals and Sham Wolves shared the points.
Men’s Category
Shakar Chiktan Royals and Sham Wolves opened the day with a thrilling 3–3 draw. The Royals dominated the first period, taking a 3–0 lead through goals from Ali Akbar, Laqat Ali and Hamid Khan. After a scoreless second period, Sham Wolves mounted a strong comeback in the final frame. Nawang Namgail scored with a wrist shot before Urgain Chosjor struck twice to complete the rally and force the draw.
Kangs Sing, representing Leh, edged past Zanskar Chadar Tamers 3–2 in a tightly contested encounter. Gonbo Tashi gave Kangs a first-period lead, but the Tamers responded in the second through goals from captain Phurboo Dorjay and Rinchen Wangyal. Kangs struck back in the third period, with Tsewang Nurboo levelling the score before Gonbo Tashi netted his second of the match to seal the win and draw Kangs level with Humas Warriors at the top of the table.
Changthang Shans registered a convincing 7–3 victory over United Nubra. After building a lead across the first two periods, the Shans managed Nubra’s late push to close out the game. Angchok Nurboo, Rigzen Namgyal and captain Urgain Samstan were among the scorers in a dominant team performance.
Purig Warriors closed the day with a disciplined 2–0 win over Maryul Spawo. Villayat Ali opened the scoring late in the first period, and Sarfaraz Hussain doubled the advantage early in the second. A solid defensive display ensured Purig maintained their clean sheet.
At the end of Day Twelve, Humas Warriors remained top of the men’s standings, level on points with Kangs Sing. Purig Warriors held third place, followed by Changthang Shans in fourth. Shakar Chiktan Royals and Sham Wolves occupied fifth and sixth, respectively, after their draw, while Zanskar Chadar Tamers, Kharu Falcons, United Nubra, Changla Blasters and Maryul Spawo completed the table.
Women’s Category
Sham Eagles continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 5–0 victory over Kharu Eagles, ending Kharu’s unbeaten streak. Padma Desal scored twice, while Dolkar Angmo, Rigzen Angmo and captain Semzes Dolma added further goals. The result kept Sham Eagles firmly at the top of the women’s standings.
Kharu Eagles remained second despite the defeat, while Shakar Chiktan Queens secured third place to qualify for the finals. Humas Queens and Changla Lamos retained fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Fixtures Ahead
Day Thirteen of the league, scheduled for February 10, 2026, will see Kharu Falcons face Zanskar Chadar Tamers, followed by Kangs Sing versus United Nubra. Purig Warriors take on Sham Wolves in the afternoon, before Maryul Spawo meet Changthang Shans. The day concludes with Shakar Chiktan Royals playing Humas Warriors.
As the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 moves into its decisive knockout phase, the competition continues to highlight the growing depth of ice hockey talent across Ladakh. Teams from Leh, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Kharu, Drass (Humas), Kargil, Shakar Chiktan and Zanskar remain in contention ahead of the women’s final on February 13 and the men’s championship final on February 14, underscoring the league’s role as a key developmental platform for winter sports in the region.(KNB)