Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, Dec 14: Royal Enfield, in collaboration with the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, unveiled the official trophy and jerseys for the second season of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League today. This event marks an important milestone in the brand’s ongoing commitment to promoting sports and resilience in the Himalayan region.
The second season of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is scheduled to take place from January 2 to 9, 2025, in Ladakh. The league aims to bolster the development of ice hockey in the region and is part of the broader “Gamechanger – Blueprint for the Development of Ice Hockey in Ladakh.” This roadmap, developed in partnership with local and international experts, aims to elevate Indian ice hockey on the global stage, with the long-term goal of India’s participation in the 2042 Winter Olympics.
As part of the lead-up to the league, Royal Enfield conducted a training camp for local coaches from December 8 to 12, led by Darryl Easson, a certified instructor from the International Ice Hockey Federation. The camp brought together 32 coaches from Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to hone their skills and prepare for the competition.
The upcoming season will feature 10 men’s and 5 women’s teams from various regions of Ladakh, including Leh, Bodh-Kharbu, Drass, Kargil, Nubra, Sham, Zanskar, and Changthang. The jerseys for this season have been made from recycled plastic (PET) in partnership with T10 Sports, aligning with Royal Enfield’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the official trophy, designed by local artisan Nawang Gyalston, draws inspiration from ice hockey and the snow leopard, symbolizing the region’s wildlife and spirit.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, expressed excitement about the tournament, emphasizing the importance of ice hockey in fostering talent and resilience in the region. Royal Enfield will also support the Spiti Cup, scheduled for January 15 to 19, 2025, in Kaza, Himachal Pradesh.