Sham Eagles crowned as Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 Women’s Champion
Captain Semzes Dolma and Rigzen Dolma Jr were on target as Sham Eagles edged past Shakar Chiktan Queens 2-1 to claim the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 Women’s Trophy at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium. Organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the final saw Sham strike twice in the opening period before Thupsta Dolkar pulled one back in the third period for the Queens, but the Eagles held firm to be crowned women’s champions.
The women’s final began with Tsewang Dolma, Regional Head of the Royal Enfield Social Mission, welcoming the gathering and thanking the community for its continued support. A short film tracing the journey of ice hockey and the League’s players was screened, followed by addresses from Mr Moses Kunzang, KAS, Administrative Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, and IHAL spokesperson PT Kunzag, who highlighted the sport’s growing footprint in the region and the importance of structured leagues in grassroots development. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial puck drop by the chief guests alongside the finalists, while Mr Moses Kunzang later presented the winners’ trophy to Sham Eagles, with Shakar Chiktan Queens declared runners-up.
Winning Captain Semzes Dolma from Sham Eagles commemorated her win, saying, “Shakar Chiktan Queens pushed us right till the end, and we had to stay disciplined for all three periods. We finished the season without a loss because everyone did their job, shift after shift. Even the goals I scored today weren’t just mine, they were the team’s goals, created by the passes, the screens and the work in the corners. I’m proud of this group and grateful to lift the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League trophy with my team.”
The final, played over three 20-minute periods, began at a high tempo. Shakar captain Nissa Khatoon tested Sham early, but goalkeeper Padma Lhundup stood tall. Sham broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when captain Semzes Dolma converted a drag shot from the centre off a precise pass by Rigzen Angmo. The Queens searched for a response, but Sham’s defence remained compact. In the 16th minute, Rigzen Dolma Jr doubled the advantage with a sliding tap-in, giving Sham a 2–0 cushion at the first break.
The second period saw Sham maintain attacking pressure, with Semzes Dolma and Rigzen Angmo creating multiple chances, but Queens goalkeeper Yasmin Akhtar produced a series of crucial saves to keep her side within reach. Despite sustained possession and attempts from both flanks, Sham were unable to extend their lead.
Shakar Chiktan Queens mounted a spirited comeback in the third period. Their persistence paid off in the seventh minute when Thupsta Dolkar converted from close range after sustained play around the crease to make it 2–1. Both goalkeepers were then called into action, with Padma Lhundup denying Sonam Youndon’s drag shot and Yasmin Akhtar stopping a late slap shot from Semzes Dolma to keep the contest alive. However, Sham managed the closing stages with composure to secure the narrow victory.
With the women’s champions crowned, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 now builds toward its final crescendo. Following a gripping women’s title clash, the spotlight shifts to the men’s championship decider on 14 February 2026, which will bring the season to a close.
Spanning regions from Leh and Nubra to Changthang, Sham, Kharu, Drass (Humas), Kargil, Shakar Chiktan and Zanskar, the season has been defined by intensity, resilience and rising competitive standards. All roads now lead to the showdown between table-toppers Humas Warriors and Purig Warriors, who will battle tomorrow for ultimate honours and the Season 3 crown.
