The second season of the Spiti Cup 2025, powered by Royal Enfield, commenced on a high note with an inspiring opening ceremony at the Kaza Main Ice Hockey Rink in the picturesque town of Kaza, Spiti Valley on Tuesday.
Organized in collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul-Spiti (IHALS), the tournament showcases 4 teams – Center Zone, Pin Zone, Sham Zone, and Tod Zone -competeing across Men’s, Women’s, and U-18 Boys categories.
This initiative reaffirms IHALS’s commitment to promoting Ice Hockey in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh.
Sham Zone Edges Tod Zone
Sham Zone and Tod Zone battled fiercely, with Sham taking an early lead through Ajay’s first-minute goal. Tod responded swiftly as Abhimanyu scored twice to end the first period 2-1 in their favor. Tanzin Tashi extended Tod’s lead in the second period, but Abhishek Rathore kept Sham in the game with a late goal. Amit’s equalizer in the third period forced a penalty shootout, where Sham Zone triumphed 5-4, thanks to successful strikes from Tanzin Zangpo and Ajay in the penalty shootout.
Sham Zone Women Defeat Center Zone
Sham Zone women’s team clinched a narrow 3-2 victory over Center Zone. Rigzin Dolma scored in the opening minute to give Sham the lead, but Tanzin Saldon equalized for Center. Tanzin Dolma’s quickfire double in the second period made it 3-1 for Sham, though Tanzin Saldon struck again to close the gap. A tense, goalless third period saw Sham Zone hold on to their lead and secure the win.
Tod Zone Dominated Pin Zone With A Record-Breaking Win
Tod Zone delivered a dominant performance, defeating Pin Zone 14-2 in the U-18 category. Tanzin Tashi led the charge with seven goals, supported by Phunchok Wanchuk and Lakpa, who added three and two goals respectively.
Despite efforts from Morphal and Sonam Wanchuk, who scored for Pin Zone, Tod’s relentless offense sealed the commanding win over Pin Zone.
Earlier matches on January 13 saw victories for the Men’s Center Zone 6-2 against Men’s Tod Zone.
In the women’s category, Pin Zone triumphed over Sham Zone 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. In the U-18 category, Tod Zone edged out Sham Zone 4-2, while Center Zone dominated Pin Zone with a commanding 7-0 win.
The Spiti Cup 2025 showcases the best of grassroots talent from Lahaul and Spiti, with athletes from Lossar, Hull, Kiato, Kaza, Schichiling, Lalung, Gilling, Sagnam, and Sangla from Kinnaur Valley.
Over the next four days, participants will compete in Speed Skating, and Ice Hockey competition across Men’s, Women’s, and U-18 Boys categories, with standout performers earning opportunities to represent Himachal Pradesh at the Khelo India Winter Games and National Championships.