Drass Warriors clinched the title of the 17th CEC Ice Hockey Championship 2026, defeating Shakar Chiktan Red by 3–0 goals in the final match.

The championship was organised by the Youth Services & Sports (YSS) Kargil in collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association Kargil under the supervision of Rakesh Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil.

Member of Parliament, Haji Mohd Hanifa Jan, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Kacho Mohd Feroz, Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, was present as the Special Guest.

Other dignitaries present included Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil Raza Ali, Chief Medical Officer Kargil Dr. Liyaqat Ali Khan, District Youth Services & Sports Officer Kargil Abid Ali, ZPEO Taisuru, Assistant Executive Engineer PWD, officials of the YSS Department, players, and a large number of sports enthusiasts.

Addressing the gathering, MP Haji Mohd Hanifa Jan stated that Ladakh is steadily emerging as a winter sports hub due to the dedicated efforts of the UT Administration and the Hill Councils of both districts. He highlighted that sports infrastructure is being developed in view of the immense potential of winter sports in the region. He also assured that the genuine demands submitted by the Ice Hockey Association Kargil through its President would be taken up for necessary action.

During the prize distribution ceremony, the Chief Guest awarded trophies to the winners — Drass Warriors (Men) and Kargil Women Ice Hockey Foundation — and to the runner-up teams, Shakar Chiktan Red (Men) and Ice Hockey Association (Women). Mementoes of appreciation were also presented to volunteers and technical officials in recognition of their dedicated efforts in successfully conducting the event despite challenges posed by rising temperatures.

A total of 29 men’s teams and four women’s teams from across Kargil district participated in the championship, reflecting the growing popularity and strength of ice hockey in the region.

The 17th CEC Ice Hockey Championship 2026 concluded on a high note, reaffirming Kargil’s strong sporting culture and its rising prominence in winter sports at the national level.