The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) Season 3 is set to return to Ladakh from January 29 to February 14, 2026, further strengthening the pathway for developing future ice hockey talent in the region. Organised by Royal Enfield Social Mission in partnership with the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the upcoming season marks a significant expansion of the League.

For the first time, the tournament will feature a comprehensive round-robin league format across both men’s and women’s categories, with each team competing against every other team. A total of 75 matches will be played across 11 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, making it the largest and most competitive edition of the League to date.

The League represents the competitive leg of a holistic technical development programme that began with the training of ice hockey coaches in December 2025, led by international instructor Darryl Easson. Following the training, coaches returned to their respective communities to scout talent and systematically prepare teams for participation in the League. REIHL thus serves as a crucial bridge between community-based training and organised, high-quality competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, said, “The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is rooted in community development. Our focus has been to strengthen local livelihoods, empower youth and women, and create a clear pathway for future talent from the Himalayas. The League is also a celebration of culture and pride, where sport brings communities together during the long winter months and reinforces a shared sense of identity and resilience.”

Held in Leh, the tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for local talent, expanding the sport to new regions and providing players from remote Himalayan communities exposure to structured league formats and professionally managed competition. Teams participating in the 2026 edition will represent Leh, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar, Changthang, and surrounding areas. Two new teams from Kharu—Kharu Eagles (women) and Kharu Falcons (men)—will make their debut this season.

Aligned with the Blueprint for the Development of Ice Hockey in Ladakh, the League plays a central role in strengthening the sport’s long-term ecosystem by connecting grassroots participation with competitive opportunities. Players competing in the League are drawn from village-level and regional training camps, supported by trained coaches and officials through Royal Enfield’s capacity-building initiatives.

Further strengthening the ecosystem, a dedicated referee training programme was conducted for the first time in December 2025, led by International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) officiating instructor Peter Gebei. The initiative aims to raise officiating standards, ensure professional match delivery, and create a pool of trained referees for future competitions in the region.

Beyond sport, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League continues to contribute significantly to community engagement, youth participation, and winter tourism in Ladakh. Matches transform frozen rinks into vibrant community spaces, drawing families, local supporters, and visitors, while reinforcing ice hockey’s deep cultural roots in the region.

Through the League, Royal Enfield continues to advance its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport—strengthening local sporting ecosystems, building livelihoods, creating opportunities for youth and women, and fostering a holistic winter sports culture across the Himalayas.