Ice Hockey League Season 3: Humas Warriors Crowned Men’s Champions in Ladakh

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Humas Warriors won the men’s title of Ice Hockey League Season 3.
Three third-period goals sealed a 3–1 win over Purig Warriors.
Over 34,000 fans attended matches across the season, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity.

Leh: The Ice Hockey League Season 3 concluded on a thrilling note in Ladakh as Humas Warriors lifted the men’s championship trophy with a 3–1 victory over Purig Warriors at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium. Goals from Mohd Issa, Ghulam Nabi Tak and Waseem Bilal in the final period turned the tide in a closely contested final that remained deadlocked for much of the match.

The league was organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, showcasing the region’s growing stature as a hub for winter sports in India.

Tight Contest Before Decisive Final Period

The men’s final began at high intensity, with Humas Warriors setting the early tempo. Waseem Bilal tested Purig goalkeeper Irfan Ali in the opening minute, followed by sustained pressure from Shahid Shabir, Mohd Issa and captain Moheb Ur Rehman Mir. However, strong goalkeeping at both ends ensured the first period ended scoreless.

Purig Warriors broke the deadlock in the second period when Kacho Shamshad found the net with a wrist flick into the top corner after sustained attacking pressure. Despite repeated attempts by Humas, Purig carried a narrow 1–0 lead into the final period.

Humas Warriors Stage Late Comeback

The third period proved decisive. Mohd Issa equalised in the eighth minute with a composed finish after carrying the puck from the neutral zone. Momentum swung firmly in Humas’ favour soon after, as Ghulam Nabi Tak fired home a powerful slap shot in the 12th minute, both goals set up by captain Moheb Ur Rehman Mir.

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Purig pushed hard for an equaliser, but Humas sealed the title in the 18th minute when Waseem Bilal tapped in a rebound from Shahid Shabir’s blocked attempt, completing a dramatic 3–1 comeback.

Champions, Awards and League Highlights: Ice Hockey League Season 3

Humas Warriors and Sham Eagles emerged as the men’s and women’s champions this season, while Purig Warriors and Shakar Chiktan Queens finished runners-up in their respective categories. The teams were felicitated by Chief Guest Kavinder Gupta, with winners receiving ₹2.5 lakh and runners-up ₹1.5 lakh in prize money.

Individual honours saw Shahid Shabir of Humas Warriors and Padma Desal of Sham Eagles named Players of the Men’s and Women’s Finals, respectively. Waseem Bilal finished as Top Scorer in the men’s category with 18 goals in 14 matches, while Padma Desal topped the women’s scoring charts with nine goals.

Growing Impact of Ice Hockey in Ladakh

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor said the successful conclusion of the league reflected Ladakh’s deepening engagement with ice hockey. He emphasised ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure, promote sports tourism and support young athletes through a new sports policy and CSR-backed equipment support.

Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, noted that Season 3 showed clear improvements in performance, participation and competitive balance, underlining the impact of sustained grassroots investment. With more than 34,000 fans attending matches, the league signalled the growing maturity and popularity of Himalayan ice hockey.

Humas Warriors captain Moheb Ur Rehman Mir credited the team’s patience and cohesion for the title win, saying the decisive goals were the result of collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

With vibrant cultural performances during interval breaks and packed stands throughout the season, Ice Hockey League Season 3 not only crowned new champions but also reinforced Ladakh’s place at the forefront of India’s winter sports movement.