Cold Steel and Ice: Royal Enfield Launches Season 4 of Himalayan Ice Hockey Programme
Royal Enfield launches its 4th Himalayan ice hockey programme with new goalie training and tournaments in Ladakh and Spiti.
Royal Enfield has officially announced the fourth season of its developmental Royal Enfield ice hockey programme in the Himalayas. This initiative is designed to cultivate local expertise and create sustainable training pathways for players, coaches, and match officials in one of the most challenging terrains on Earth.
A New Focus on the Goal
The upcoming season kicks off with a groundbreaking addition: the first-ever dedicated Goaltender Training Programme. Scheduled from November 9-13, 2026, at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh, this specialist clinic will be led by international goaltending coach Matt Darlow. Darlow will work closely with goalies from Spiti and Ladakh to bring world-class technical skills to the region's defensive line.
Building a Professional Ecosystem
Beyond the goalposts, Royal Enfield is expanding its training calendar across Leh, Dehradun, and Gurugram. The programme aims to build long-term capacity through structured coach and player training sessions led by international experts.
Officiating is also receiving a major boost. Peter Gebei, an IIHF-certified professional with over 40 years of experience as a player, referee, and coach, returns for his second year to lead referee training, ensuring the games are played to international standards.
"Ice Hockey in the Himalayas belongs to the communities who play it, and our role is to help them build the capabilities to sustain it on their own terms," said Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation. "Each coach and player trained this season takes us a step closer to a fully community-owned sport."
The Road to the High-Altitude Tournaments
The developmental cycle begins with "Learn to Play" grassroots training running from December 2026 to February 2027. This serves as the foundation for the two most prestigious winter sports events in the region:
- Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL): Held in Leh in partnership with the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the UT Administration of Ladakh.
- The Spiti Cup: Organized with the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul-Spiti (IHALS), this tournament focuses on remote villages including Keylong, Losar, Sagnam, Lalung, and Lahaul.
A Legacy of Growth
The programme continues to draw talent from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. In previous editions, the REIHL saw participation from 11 men’s and five women’s teams, with regions like Kharu joining the fray for the first time. The Spiti Cup also expanded its reach, welcoming Lahaul into the Senior Men’s category and maintaining an Under-18 Boys category.
Participating teams have hailed from diverse regions including Zanskar, Kargil, Drass, Nubra, Sham, Changthang, and various zones of Spiti such as Pin and the Centre.
Bringing the Ice to the City
Royal Enfield's commitment to the Himalayas extends beyond the rink. From December 3–9, 2026, the third edition of Journeying Across the Himalayas will be hosted at the Travancore Palace in New Delhi. This community festival will feature an immersive ice hockey experience, complete with a locker-room setup, allowing urban visitors to understand the cultural significance of the sport in the high mountains.