Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, Feb 14: Mohd Issa, Ghulam Nabi Tak and Waseem Bilal struck in the final period as Humas Warriors were crowned men’s champions of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3, defeating Purig Warriors by 3-1 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 remained finely poised for two periods before Humas delivered a decisive late surge to lift the trophy.
Humas Warriors and Sham Eagles emerged as title winners this season, while Purig Warriors and Shakar Chiktan Queens were runners-up in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. The teams were felicitated by the chief guest, Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh. The winners and runners-up received cash prizes of Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively.
Among the individual honours, Shahid Shabir of Humas Warriors and Padma Desal of Sham Eagles were named Player of the Men’s and Women’s finals, respectively, for their decisive impact in the title clash. Waseem Bilal, also of Humas Warriors, was the Top Scorer (Men) after an outstanding campaign in which he scored 18 goals in 14 matches, playing a pivotal role in his side’s run to the championship. In the women’s category, Padma was awarded Top Scorer for her 9 goals and consistent performances throughout the season.
The day began with Tsewang Dolma, Regional Head – Ladakh, Royal Enfield Social Mission, welcoming the gathering followed by an address from IHAL spokesperson PT Kunzang.
The men’s final commenced with the ceremonial puck drop. Waseem Bilal tested Purig goalkeeper Irfan Ali in the first minute, and further attempts from Shahid Shabir, Mohd Issa, and captain Moheb Ur Rehman Mir kept pressure on the Purig defence. However, Irfan stood firm, while Humas goalkeeper Iftiqar Hussain matched him at the other end as Purig built chances through quick link-up play. The opening period ended goalless.
Purig broke the deadlock in the second period. After Hilal Ahmad struck the post early, Kacho Shamshad capitalised in the seventh minute with a wrist flick into the top-left corner following a deflection off Nawaz Ali’s attempt. Purig pressed to extend their advantage, but Iftiqar produced crucial saves to keep Humas within reach. Despite multiple efforts from Ghulam Nabi Tak, Waseem Bilal, and captain Moheb, Irfan maintained Purig’s slender lead heading into the final period.
The third period proved decisive. Mohd Issa restored parity in the eighth minute, carrying the puck from the neutral zone before finishing with a precise flick into the top-right corner off Moheb’s pass. Momentum shifted firmly in Humas’ favour, and in the 12th minute, Ghulam Nabi Tak converted a powerful slap shot, again set up by Moheb. Purig searched for an equaliser, but Waseem Bilal tapped in the rebound from Shahid Shabir’s blocked attempt in the 18th minute to complete the comeback and secure a 3-1 victory.
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