January 8, Leh (Ladakh) [India]: Namhail Nangmo established a new standard for the sport today by scoring the quickest goal ever recorded in the Ice Hockey League. Maryul Spamo defeated Shakar Chiktan Queens 4-0 on Day 3 of Ice Hockey League Season 2 to start their season.

With a decisive 6-1 victory in the first match of the day, Humas Warriors set the tone in the men’s division. With victories of 4-1 and 6-2, respectively, defending champions Kang Sings and Changthang Shans maintained their impressive play.

Fans were thrilled by the league’s third day’s thrilling activity and high-energy performances, which included goals all throughout the games. In collaboration with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the Ice Hockey League Season 2 is being held at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.

The game’s first few minutes proceeded slowly as both sides worked hard to break the impasse. But two minutes before the first quarter ended, Zahit Ali of the Humas Warriors made a breakthrough with a crisp wrist shot. The Warriors led 2-0 at the half after Issa Mohd increased the advantage with a last-second goal a few seconds later.

The Warriors took complete control of the game in the second quarter. In the 22nd minute, Zahit Ali added another goal to complete his brace and increase the advantage to 3-0. Nasoor-ud-din and Issa Mohd each added a goal in the 28th and 35th minutes, respectively, to keep the pace going. The Warriors ended the second quarter with a commanding 5-0 lead because to their unrelenting offensive and unbeatable defense.

Padma Minger gave United Nubra an early consolation goal in the 43rd minute as they came into the final session prepared to come back. To prevent further goals, the Humas Warriors, however, remained composed and organized defensively. Waseem Bilal, the team captain, sealed a decisive 6-1 win for the Warriors with a magnificent wrist stroke in the last seconds of play.

Reigning champions Kang Sings defeated Changla Blasters 4-1 in the league’s second game, building on their momentum from the first day. Stanzin Lotos, assisted by Stanzin Angchok, gave Kang Sings the lead in the sixth minute as they got off to an aggressive start. Lotos’ outstanding pass allowed Tashi Tsewang to increase the advantage with a precise finish in the thirteenth minute.

Both sides missed chances to score as the second quarter turned into a defensive contest. The two penalties—Ghulam Nabi for elbowing and Stanzin for tripping in the 22nd minute—were the only noteworthy events. As the period came to a close, the score stayed at 2-0 despite the increased intensity.

As both sides took an aggressive stance, the last quarter witnessed a spike in tension. In the 52nd minute, Tunstup’s accurate wrist shot from the left corner gave Changla Blasters hope for a comeback. But Kang Sings swiftly took back the initiative, and in the 54th and 55th minutes, Tashi Tsewang and Mushtaq Ahmed scored consecutive goals to essentially end the match. The reigning champions maintained their undefeated start to the season with a 4-1 win, showcasing their all-around superiority.

The Ice Hockey League Season 2 women’s division began with a strong showing from the defending champions Maryul Spamo, who defeated Shakar Chiktan Queens 4-0. With a goal barely 15 seconds into the game, Namhail Nangmo made history by breaking the league record for the quickest goal in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The reigning champs had a strong 2-0 lead at the conclusion of the first session as Nangmo scored again with a crisp snapshot later in the frame.

Both sides increased their defensive attempts in the second quarter. Maryul Spamo maintained their 2-0 lead despite a plethora of scoring possibilities due to outstanding goalkeeping on both sides.

Maryul Spamo reaffirmed their supremacy in the last session. In the 45th minute, Rinchen Dolma took advantage of a lost puck close to the goal, and in the 48th minute, Padma Chorol took a precise shot. Shakar Chiktan Queens had many attacking surges, but Indian national team goalie Dorjey Dolma continuously stopped their efforts with an outstanding performance. The match ended with a decisive 4-0 win for the reigning champs.

Day 3’s last match pitted Maryul Spawo against a resolute Changthang Shans team. Konchok Namgyal scored the opening goal in the 12th minute and Phuntsog Namgyal scored the second in the 15th, demonstrating the effectiveness of their attacking strategies. Urgan Samstan’s penalty injected additional suspense, but the Shans maintained their advantage at the end of the quarter, leading 2-0.

Changthang Shans took advantage of their momentum to start Period 2. Tsewang Dorjey scored a fast-paced goal 13 seconds after Rigzen Namgyal’s goal in the 24th minute. In the 26th minute, Dorjey completed his double and increased the lead with another brilliant wrist strike. With help from Rigzin N., Spawo eventually answered in the 32nd minute via Sonam Paldan. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Stanzin Jambal promptly struck back for the Shans. The score was 6-1 in Changthang Shans’ advantage at the conclusion of the stanza.

Changthang Shans played cautiously, leading 6-1 going into the third session. Rigzin N of Spawo scored in the last seconds to narrow the gap, but it was too late to make a comeback. The Shans finished the game with a commanding 6-2 win, maintaining their league momentum thanks to their defensive strategy.