Namhail Nangmo records fastest goal in Ice Hockey League history

LEH (Ladakh): Namhail Nangmo created history today by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded in the Ice Hockey League, setting a new benchmark in the sport. On Day 3 of Ice Hockey League Season 2, Maryul Spamo began their campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Shakar Chiktan Queens.

In the Men’s category, Humas Warriors set the tone earlier in the day with a commanding 6-1 win in the opening match. Defending champions Kang Sings and Changthang Shans continued their strong performances, triumphing 4-1 and 6-2, respectively.

The third day of the league delivered intense action and high-energy performances, with goals flowing throughout the matches, leaving fans exhilarated. The Ice Hockey League Season 2 is being organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.

Ladakh’s winter sports season in full swing. After the thrilling #CECCup in Leh & Kargil, the royal Enfield #IceHockeyLeague is heating up with 250 players , running until Jan 13. pic.twitter.com/nHzotHTajs

— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 7, 2025

With both teams battling hard to break the deadlock, the opening minutes of the game unfolded cautiously. However, Humas Warriors’ Zahit Ali found a breakthrough with a precise wrist shot just two minutes before the end of the first period. Moments later, Issa Mohd doubled the lead with a last-second strike, leaving the Warriors ahead 2-0 at the break.

The second period saw the Warriors take full control of the game. Zahit Ali scored again in the 22nd minute, securing his brace and extending the lead to 3-0. The momentum continued with Nasoor-ud-din and Issa Mohd each adding a goal in the 28th and 35th minutes, respectively. The Warriors’ offense was relentless, and their defense remained impenetrable, ending the second period with an imposing 5-0 lead.

United Nubra entered the final period determined to fight back and managed an early consolation goal in the 43rd minute, courtesy of Padma Minger. However, the Humas Warriors maintained their composure and defensive organization to deny further goals. In a dramatic finish, team captain Waseem Bilal capped off the game with a spectacular wrist shot in the dying seconds, sealing a resounding 6-1 victory for the Warriors.

Building on their momentum from the opening day, defending champions Kang Sings delivered another commanding performance in the second game of the league, defeating Changla Blasters 4-1. Kang Sings started aggressively, with Stanzin Lotos netting the first goal in the 6th minute, assisted by Stanzin Angchok. In the 13th minute, Tashi Tsewang doubled the lead with a clinical finish, thanks to a brilliant assist by Lotos.

The second period shifted into a defensive battle, with both teams missing opportunities to score. The only notable incidents were two penalties–Ghulam Nabi for elbowing and Stanzin for tripping in the 22nd minute. Despite the heightened intensity, the score remained unchanged at 2-0 as the period ended.

The final period saw a surge in intensity as both teams adopted an aggressive approach. Changla Blasters sparked hope for a comeback in the 52nd minute when Tunstup scored a precise wrist shot from the left corner. However, Kang Sings quickly regained control, with Mushtaq Ahmed and Tashi Tsewang scoring back-to-back goals in the 54th and 55th minutes, effectively sealing the game. The defending champions showcased their all-around dominance, cruising to a 4-1 victory and maintaining their perfect start to the season.

The women’s category of the Ice Hockey League Season 2 kicked off with an impressive performance by reigning champions Maryul Spamo, who secured a 4-0 victory over Shakar Chiktan Queens. The match began with a historic moment as Namhail Nangmo scored just 15 seconds into play, setting a new league record for the fastest goal across both men’s and women’s categories. Nangmo struck again later in the first period with a sharp snapshot, giving the defending champions a solid 2-0 lead at the end of the opening period.

The second period saw heightened defensive efforts from both teams. Despite numerous scoring opportunities, exceptional goaltending on both sides kept the score unchanged, with Maryul Spamo maintaining their 2-0 advantage.

In the final period, Maryul Spamo reasserted their dominance. Rinchen Dolma capitalized on a loose puck near the net in the 45th minute, followed shortly by Padma Chorol’s precision snapshot in the 48th. Despite several offensive surges from Shakar Chiktan Queens, their attempts were consistently thwarted by Dorjey Dolma, the Indian national team goalkeeper, who delivered a stellar performance. The defending champions wrapped up the match with a resounding 4-0 victory.

The final match of Day 3 featured a determined Changthang Shans side facing off against Maryul Spawo. Their offensive tactics paid off with two quick goals, first by Konchok Namgyal in the 12th minute and then by Phuntsog Namgyal in the 15th. A penalty for Urgan Samstan added some drama, but the Shans remained in control, finishing the period with a 2-0 lead.

Period 2 began with Changthang Shans capitalizing on their momentum. Rigzen Namgyal netted a goal in the 24th minute, followed by Tsewang Dorjey’s quick-fire strike just 13 seconds later. Dorjey showcased his skills again with a flawless wrist shot in the 26th minute, completing his double and widening the gap. Spawo finally responded in the 32nd minute through Sonam Paldan, assisted by Rigzin N. However, their celebrations were short-lived as Stanzin Jambal immediately retaliated for the Shans. By the end of the period, the score stood at 6-1 in Changthang Shans’ favor.

Entering the final period with a solid 6-1 lead, Changthang Shans played a cautious game. Spawo’s Rigzin N managed to find the net in the dying minutes, reducing the deficit slightly, but it was too late for a comeback. The Shans’ defensive game plan held firm, and they wrapped up the match with a dominant 6-2 victory, keeping their momentum intact in the league. (ANI)