Kang Sings defend Ice Hockey League men’s title

Defending champions Kang Sings successfully retained their Ice Hockey League title in the men’s category on Monday, overpowering last year’s runners-up, Changthang Shans, with a commanding 5-2 victory. Captain Mushtaq Ahmed and Stanzin Angchok led from the front, each scoring twice to help their team secure back-to-back championships.

The Ice Hockey League-Season 2, organised in collaboration with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, concluded with a grand closing ceremony packed to capacity at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium. The 10-day tournament, which featured 30 fiercely competitive matches, concluded with a grand finale that highlighted the growing popularity of Ice Hockey in Ladakh. The final also included captivating performances from Dorjey Stakmo, Ladakh Dance Academy, and a breathtaking figure skating showcase, adding cultural vibrancy to the event.

The winners were awarded the coveted championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh, while the runners-up received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh. In the women’s category, champions Maryul Spamo and runners-up Changla Lamos were honoured with similar trophies and cash prizes.

Kang Sings’ captain Mushtaq Ahmed Giri received the Best Player Award in the men’s category along with a cash prize of Rs 25,000, while Maryul Spamo’s captain Padma Chorol claimed the Best Player Award in the women’s category, also receiving Rs 25,000. The Fair Play Awards (Team) went to Humas Warriors in the men’s category and Sham Eagles in the women’s category, with both teams receiving cash prizes of Rs 25,000.

The closing ceremony was attended by Vikram Singh Malik, Sports Secretary, UT Ladakh, and Surinder Khatri, DIG, North West Frontier, ITBP, among other dignitaries who presented the medals, trophies, and cash prizes to the winners.

Speaking before the final, Malik, said, “This league has showcased the true essence of Ladakh—unity, perseverance, and excellence. It has been heartening to witness the tremendous efforts by the teams and the community in making this event a grand success. With initiatives like these, we are building a stronger foundation for ice hockey in Ladakh, and I am confident the sport will continue to grow, reaching even greater heights in the years to come.”

Speaking after the win, Kang Sings’ captain Mushtaq Ahmed Giri stated, “Retaining this championship is a dream come true for our team. It’s not just about the victory but the journey we’ve undertaken together; the hard work, and the unyielding support from our community.”

This season witnessed the inclusion of state-of-the-art skate sharpening machines, jersey designs crafted from recycled PET bottles, and a locally inspired championship trophy designed by Ladakhi artist Nawang Gyalston. The Ice Hockey League season 2 has reinforced Ladakh's status as a hub for winter sports, offering a competitive platform for local talent and inspiring future generations to embrace the sport.