Ice Hockey League: Kang Sings Clinch Season 2 Men's Title with Impressive Victory
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Synopsis
On January 13, the defending champions Kang Sings triumphed over Changthang Shans with a 5-2 score, successfully keeping their title in the men's category of the Ice Hockey League Season 2. The final showcased thrilling performances and highlighted the sport's growing popularity in Ladakh.
Key Takeaways
- Kang Sings secured back-to-back championships.
- Mushtaq Ahmed and Stanzin Angchok were standout players.
- The final featured cultural performances enhancing the event.
- Cash prizes were awarded to winners and runners-up.
- Royal Enfield continues to support ice hockey development in Ladakh.
Leh, Jan 13 (NationPress) The reigning champions Kang Sings have successfully defended their title in the men’s division of the Ice Hockey League on Monday, dominating last year’s second-place team Changthang Shans with a strong 5-2 scoreline in the Season 2 finale at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium.
Leading the charge were Captain Mushtaq Ahmed and Stanzin Angchok, both contributing two goals each to secure consecutive championships for their squad. The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 was organized in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh.
Spanning over 10 days, the tournament featured 30 intensely contested matches, culminating in a grand finale that showcased the increasing popularity of Ice Hockey in Ladakh. Additionally, the final included stunning performances by Dorjey Stakmo, the Ladakh Dance Academy, and an impressive figure skating display, enriching the cultural atmosphere of the event.
The victors received the prestigious championship trophy along with a monetary reward of INR 2.5 lakh, while the runners-up were awarded a trophy and INR 1.5 lakh. In the women's division, held a day prior, the champions Maryul Spamo and the runners-up Changla Lamos were similarly recognized during Monday’s ceremony.
The captain of Kang Sings, Mushtaq Ahmed Giri, was honored with the Best Player Award for the men’s category, receiving a cash prize of INR 25,000, while Padma Chorol, captain of Maryul Spamo, was awarded the same honor in the women’s category, also receiving INR 25,000. The Fair Play Awards (Team) were given to Humas Warriors in the men’s category and Sham Eagles in the women’s category, with both teams receiving INR 25,000.
In an exhilarating final of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2, the defending champions Kang Sings clinched their title after a decisive 5-2 win over Changthang Shans.
The match began with both teams fiercely competing for puck control, but it was the Shans who took the lead in the 12th minute, with Stanzin Thinles scoring a remarkable goal assisted by captain Chamba Tsetan, making it 1-0. However, Kang Sings quickly responded in the 15th minute, with Stanzin Angchok finding the net to level the match at 1-1 by the end of the first period. Both teams showcased intense energy, resulting in penalties for Tsering Galpo and Nurbo Zangpo.
During the second period, Kang Sings seized control of the game. Captain Mushtaq Ahmed, assisted by Stanzin Angchok, executed a fantastic wrist shot in the 23rd minute, giving his team a vital 2-1 advantage. Despite attempts by Changthang Shans to equalize, Kang Sings’ solid defense held firm. Six minutes before the period concluded, Stanzin Angchok scored again, completing his brace and extending the lead to 3-1.
The final period was action-packed, with both teams striving for dominance. Five minutes in, Mushtaq Ahmed netted his second goal, increasing the lead to 4-1. Changthang Shans attempted a late comeback, with Chamba Tsetan scoring in the 56th minute to narrow the score to 4-2.
However, Kang Sings swiftly countered with another goal from Stanzin Angchok, finalizing a convincing 5-2 victory. This triumph saw Kang Sings successfully defend their title, emerging as back-to-back champions in the men’s category of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League.
After the match, Mushtaq Ahmed Giri expressed, "Defending this championship is a dream come true for our team. It’s not solely about the victory, but the journey we’ve shared; the dedication and unwavering support from our community. This win is for every Ladakhi who believes in the power of ice hockey to unite and inspire."
At the commencement of the ceremony, Royal Enfield reaffirmed its dedication to developing ice hockey in Ladakh as part of its broader social mission to empower Himalayan communities. This season saw the introduction of advanced skate sharpening machines, jerseys made from recycled PET bottles, and a locally inspired championship trophy designed by Ladakhi artist Nawang Gyalston.
