Haryana Thunders produced a dominant all-round display to register a commanding lead at the halfway stage against Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals in Match 11 of the Pro Wrestling League 2026, being played on Sunday night, here at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Winning all five of the opening bouts emphatically, Haryana secured the match points midway through the nine-bout tie and, with it, moved to the top of the PWL 2026 points table. Haryana’s Iryna also broke the PWL record – set earlier in the tournament by her captain Yui Susaki — to defeat Sarika Malik within 28 seconds.
Category: Others
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Meticulous Preparations Underway for 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata
Procam International, promoters of the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, has announced comprehensive arrangements for the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Over 23,000 runners, including on-ground and virtual participants, are set to take part in the landmark event.
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Details of the race route, medical preparedness, and participant facilities were shared during a press conference held at the Media Centre on the iconic Red Road. Organisers highlighted their focus on seamless execution and an enhanced race-day experience for athletes and recreational runners alike.
The event carries a total prize purse of USD 142,214 and continues its commitment to equal prize money for men and women winners. Marking the 10th edition, an additional world record bonus of USD 25,000 has been announced for breaking the current 25K world record of 1:11:08. To encourage amateur participation, cash prizes of ₹35,000, ₹25,000 and ₹10,000 will be awarded to the top three amateur runners in both men’s and women’s categories across various age groups.
Race Day proceedings will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 HD and SD from 5:30 am onwards.
Speaking at the media interaction, Race Director Hugh Jones said, “This year’s course is different and more demanding, offering a mix of challenges for the participants. However, good weather conditions and an early start will provide runners with a tactical advantage.”
Sanjukta Dutta, Emergency Head at Fortis Hospitals and Medical Director for the race, praised the medical arrangements made by Procam in collaboration with Fortis Hospitals. She advised runners to take adequate rest before race day, have a light breakfast, warm up before running, cool down after finishing, and avoid pushing beyond their limits. “Run to enjoy and have a good time,” she added.
Participant Category-Wise Breakup (On-ground + Virtual)
25K: 6,927
Open 10K: 8,068
Ananda Run: 6,066
Senior Citizens Run: 1,815
Champions with Disability: 450
For the 2025 edition, all five race categories will start and finish at Red Road. With the Vidyasagar Setu closed on Sundays due to ongoing work, the course has been reimagined with support from city authorities. Runners will head further south, exploring new stretches of the city, passing landmarks such as Tipu Sultan Mosque and Rabindra Sarobar, and tackling a fresh challenge at the Lakes Flyover.
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Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Raises INR 32.12 Lakh for Social Causes
As the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata kicks off, the event continues to transform routine into ritual and social action into lasting impact. With the support of 43 NGOs, over 26 individual fundraisers, and 10 corporates, alongside thousands of donors, the event has raised an impressive INR 32.12 lakh for charity so far. Fundraising will continue until 3rd January 2026, with the funds earmarked for more than 12 social causes.
Led by the Impact360 Foundation, the event’s Philanthropy Partner, the platform has consistently amplified charitable efforts by providing a cause-neutral framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past decade, Impact360 has enabled more than 75 NGOs across Eastern and Northeastern India to raise over INR 4.70 crore, positively impacting millions of lives. Beyond medals and personal achievements, the event has created a “decade of difference,” fostering community upliftment, social awareness, and global recognition for Kolkata as a hub for distance running.
Debashish Ray Choudhari, CEO of Impact360 Foundation, remarked, “TSW25K celebrates ten years of participative sport and meaningful social engagement. The extraordinary support from corporates, NGOs, fundraisers, and individual donors has surpassed previous milestones, reflecting the collective passion driving this movement.”
Participants and panellists shared inspiring stories at the press meet. Ganga Basu, a beneficiary at Paripurnata, expressed her excitement about gaining independence and participating in such a large platform, while young leader Sarah Tabish highlighted the importance of addressing underreported issues like child sexual abuse and supporting long-term rehabilitation.
The event brings together diverse stakeholders driving social change:
NGOs such as Tata Medical Centre, Concern India Foundation, Paripurnata, and LittleBigHelp are supporting cancer care, education, skill development, and rehabilitation.
Corporate partners like Tata Steel Downstream Products, TITAN, and Blue Star Limited fund initiatives in health, education, and empowerment.
Individual fundraisers including Jhelum Sarkar, Adv. Sidhant Ghosh, and Mohammad Lutful Kabir contribute to causes ranging from cancer care to skill development and mental health support.
Vivek Singh, Joint MD of Procam International, said, “The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata demonstrates how endurance running and philanthropy intersect to create meaningful social change. The combined efforts of NGOs, corporates, fundraisers, and citizens continue to make a tangible difference in communities.”
Through its decade-long journey, TSW25K has become more than a race—it is a movement that inspires collective action, empowers communities, and champions a legacy of philanthropy.
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Cheptegei, Kebede Lead 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Race
The landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025 is set for a blockbuster showdown as more than 23,000 runners from across the globe gear up for the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race on Sunday, 21 December. Organised by Procam International, this year’s event promises one of the strongest elite fields in its decade-long history, celebrating #ADecadeOfDifference in the City of Joy.
Headlining the men’s field is Uganda’s Double Olympic and Triple World Champion Joshua Cheptegei, who will make his much-awaited debut over the 25K distance. The 29-year-old, who holds multiple world records on the track and roads, expressed enthusiasm for racing in India again, saying, “India is one of my favourite destinations. I want to give my best in my maiden venture in Kolkata.”
In a major boost to competition, organisers have announced a USD 25,000 bonus for any athlete breaking the existing world record of 1:11:08. The total prize purse stands at USD 142,214, with equal prize money for men and women. The top three finishers in both categories will receive USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000 respectively, along with a USD 5,000 event record bonus.
Joining Cheptegei in the men’s lineup is Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, fresh from his dramatic World Championships Marathon victory in Tokyo, where he edged Germany’s Amanal Petros by just three-hundredths of a second. Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew, who recorded a blistering 2:03:31 for third place at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, runner-up at this year’s Xiamen Marathon, further strengthen the competitive field. The roster also includes a strong Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent featuring Collins Kipkorir, Debebe Teka, Tamru Shifera, and emerging talents such as Ayana Geneti and Niguse Abera.
In the women’s category, defending champion and former world record holder Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia returns to Kolkata aiming for a hat-trick. Kebede, who set the 25K world record in Berlin in 2015 and shattered it again in Kolkata in 2023, seeks redemption after a disappointing 27th-place finish at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo. “I am thrilled to make my third appearance in Kolkata. With an exciting field to challenge me, I expect to improve my timings this year,” she said.
Kebede will face stiff competition from compatriot and former Kolkata winner Degitu Azimeraw, Uganda’s Olympic finalist Sarah Chelangat, and Kenya’s Agnes Keino. Rising Ethiopian talents, including Demilew Zemenaw and Ergat Heshe, add depth to the field.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, stated, “With world-class athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei and Alphonce Felix Simbu headlining the elite field, Kolkata is poised for an exciting and fast race later this month.”
With top-tier competition, record-breaking incentives, and overwhelming participation, the 10th edition promises to be a milestone in the event’s illustrious journey.
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Referee Training Programme Takes Centre Ice in Delhi Ahead of Royal Enfield Ice Hockey Season
A dedicated Referee Training Programme has kicked off in New Delhi ahead of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey Season 3. Designed to enhance officiating standards, the initiative brings together referees from diverse backgrounds, fostering skill development and consistency on the ice. The programme emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring opportunities for officials across different regions and experiences, while providing structured coaching support to sharpen decision-making and game management. Organizers aim to build a strong officiating ecosystem that can meet the demands of high-altitude leagues, ensuring fair and competitive play. This proactive step reflects the league’s commitment to professionalism, growth, and the overall development of ice hockey in India.
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Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Marks 10th Edition with Inspiring Pacers
The landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K road race promoted by Procam International, will feature an extraordinary lineup of 22 pacers, each bringing inspiring stories of discipline, courage, and transformation to guide thousands of runners on Sunday, December 21.
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This year’s pacer group is as diverse and inspiring as the participants themselves. From Armed Forces personnel who have served the nation across borders, to women who have overcome personal battles to embrace running, to professionals balancing demanding careers with a passion for fitness, the 10th edition showcases individuals who embody the #DecadeOfDifference spirit that Tata Steel World 25K stands for. Their journeys mirror the evolution of Kolkata’s running culture, making them ideal pace leaders for this milestone year.
Among the inspiring 10K pacers is Roshni Guhathakurta, born with bilateral clubfoot, who relied on major corrective surgeries just to walk. Today, she is a CESC Deputy Manager, a mother of an 8-year-old, and an accomplished marathon and ultra-runner, having transformed her life from a sedentary routine to one defined by fitness and resilience. She will lead the 85-minute bus pace.
Entrepreneur and Chandagini founder Chanda Ahuja, a mother of two, will lead the 75-minute bus pace, while ophthalmologist and dedicated runner Dr. Saswati Biswas will head the 60-minute group.
Joining the lineup is Kolkata’s Manpreet Singh, the fastest pacer in the 25K category, who will lead the 2:00-hour bus. From New Delhi, Kartikay Pandey, who transformed himself from 95 kg to 77 kg during the pandemic and is now a podium finisher, will inspire runners as he leads the 2:05-hour bus. Adding to this remarkable roster is Kolkata’s Bapai Bhattacharyya, a Kargil War veteran and Comrades Marathon Bronze Medalist, whose extraordinary grit strengthens the pacing team; he will pace the 2:40-hour bus.
“Pacing is a selfless act, and as we celebrate the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, our pacers truly reflect the heart and soul of this event. From the discipline of the Defence Forces leading the 25K to the inspiring all-women team pacing the 10K, this year’s lineup embodies courage, diversity, and community spirit,” said Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International.
Women 10K Pacers (10 km)
Alina Goperma Sherpa – 58 min
Dr. Saswati Biswas – 60 min
Uma Devi Sharma (Kalyani, West Bengal) – 65 min
Jyoti Saboo – 70 min
Shobha Agarwal – 75 min
Chanda Ahuja – 75 min
Namrata Agarwal – 80 min
Roshni Guhathakurta – 85 min
Priyanti Dutta – 88 min
(All pacers from Kolkata)Defence Forces Pacers (25 km)
Manpreet Singh (Kolkata) – 2:00 hrs
Kartikay Pandey (New Delhi) – 2:05 hrs
Ram Mohan (Punjab) – 2:10 hrs
Ashish Dhingra (New Delhi) – 2:15 hrs
Gurmeet Raturi (New Delhi) – 2:20 hrs
Chanambam Ruhikanta Singh (Kanpur) – 2:25 hrs
Lalit Kumar Tiwari (New Delhi) – 2:30 hrs
Paramjeet Yadav (Rewari) – 2:35 hrs
Bapai Bhattacharyya (Kolkata) – 2:40 hrs
Gaurav Srivastav (Lucknow) – 2:45 hrs
Dr. Ratandeep Singh (New Delhi) – 2:45 hrs
Sanjeev Kumar (Kolkata) – 2:50 hrs
Vidyasagar Mehta (New Delhi) – 2:55 hrs
The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 1 HD on December 21 from 5:30 am onwards.
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Record-Breaking Registrations Continue as Excitement Builds for 10th Tata Steel World 25K Countdown
Olympic Medalist Kenny Bednarek, Football Legend Bhaichung Bhutia, and Actress Srabanti Chatterjee Set to Inspire Runners at this Prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Race
Registrations for the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, India’s only World Athletics Gold Label 25K are soaring at an unprecedented pace, reflecting Kolkata’s unwavering passion for running and its place among the nation’s most celebrated sporting events. The 10th edition once again highlights the city’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community spirit.
The official countdown launched today with the high-energy exhibition match “Bhaichung’s 10.” Football icon and TSW 25K Ratna Bhaichung Bhutia led a spirited five-a-side game alongside nine lucky registered participants from the Ananda Run category. TSW 25K Ratna and actress Srabanti Chatterjee inaugurated the match by blowing the referee’s whistle.
The event brought together runners, sponsors, partners, and celebrities in a joyful celebration of teamwork and sporting camaraderie.“It is a privilege to lead ‘Bhaichung’s 10’ and usher in the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. The energy and diversity I witnessed today truly represent Kolkata’s heart. Seeing people from so many walks of life come together reminded me why this city is India’s sporting heart. I urge everyone to register, participate, and make this landmark edition unforgettable,” said football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, TSW 25K Ratna.
“I want to tell every woman that not just 15%, I want more women to participate. Running is not only for fitness or sports—I feel that women should join for their own power, their own freedom, their own health, and their own well-being,” said TSW 25K Ratna Srabanti Chatterjee.
D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel, added:
“We are proud to witness record-breaking participation at the 10th anniversary of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. This event not only showcases athletic talent but also unites our community in a celebration of fitness and the joy of running.”With limited spots remaining across the 25K, Open 10K, Ananda Run, Senior Citizens’ Run, and Champions with Disability categories, participants are encouraged to register soon at the official website before registrations close or sell out.
Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank said, “Running a marathon and achieving financial wellbeing both require thoughtful planning and consistent discipline. Our customer-first philosophy aligns with the resilient spirit of runners, and we are proud to partner with this iconic event that reflects purpose, progress, and perseverance.”
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, remarked:
“The preparations for this landmark edition are in full swing, and the energy in Kolkata is extraordinary. Over the years, this event has grown into one of India’s most cherished participative sporting celebrations. Today, Kolkata stands tall as a running city, thanks to the unwavering support of the Government of West Bengal, our partners, and our runners.”A vibrant lineup of pre- and post-race activities, energetic cheering squads, and music zones will create an electrifying atmosphere along the course. Coupled with a fast route and world-class facilities, this year promises an unforgettable experience for runners of all categories.
Run Clubs Unite
Twelve dedicated run clubs with nearly 275 volunteers—including North Kolkata Runners, Jayanagar Jaguars, Newtown Runners, and Rajarhat Runners—will support athletes across the route and at aid stations.
Medal of Steel for 25K Finishers
Every 25K finisher will receive a uniquely crafted ‘Medal of Steel’ by Tata Steel—symbolizing grit, strength, and resilience.
Exclusive T10 Merchandise
Sportswear partner T10 will provide race-day tees to all confirmed 25K participants, while the fastest 1,000 men and women in the Open 10K will receive a special finisher’s tee.
Vijay Diwas Trophy
A tribute to Vijay Diwas, this prestigious competition features 30 teams from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each team fields three runners for the 25K, with combined timing deciding the winner. Cash awards of INR 75,000, INR 60,000, and INR 45,000 await the top three teams.
Police Cup
In recognition of the Kolkata Police’s contributions, 175 police teams (150 men’s and 25 women’s) will compete in the 10K. The fastest collective team timing will determine the winner.
Get Active Expo
A must-visit hub for fitness lovers, the Get Active Expo offers the latest updates in running, health, and lifestyle. All confirmed participants must collect their bibs and receive race-day instructions at the Expo, scheduled at Netaji Indoor Stadium on 19–20 December 2025.
Gratitude & Partnerships
Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata expresses heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support of the Government of West Bengal, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Government of India), Indian Army – Eastern Command & Bengal Sub-Area, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Sports Authority of India, AFI, WBAA, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Police, World Athletics, AIMS, and Global Sports Communication.
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Olympic & World Championships sprinter Kenny Bednarek International Event Ambassador for Tata Steel World 25K
Procam International, promoters of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata (TSW 25K), announces Double Olympic Silver Medallist and World Championships Gold & Silver medallist Kenny Bednarek as its International Event Ambassador for the milestone 10th edition, scheduled for Sunday, 21st December 2025. The world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K race continues to unite the community through sport, celebrating resilience, inclusivity, and the relentless human spirit.
At just 27, Kenny Bednarek, affectionately known as Kung Fu Kenny, has become one of track and field’s most admired figures. A double silver medallist in the 200m at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as a Gold and Silver Medallist at the recently concluded 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most consistent sprinters. In a discipline that celebrates speed and spectacle, Bednarek’s journey is a reminder that persistence, not perfection, defines true greatness. His steady presence among the world’s best reflects the thread that connects talent with tenacity.
Born in Wisconsin, Bednarek’s early years were far from easy. Abandoned at birth and adopted after a challenging childhood, he overcame adversity through sheer grit and purpose. His journey from community college tracks to global arenas stands as an inspiring reminder that success is not determined by where one starts, but by the determination to keep going.
“Life has taught me that the journey matters more than the destination. Every race, every step, builds you,” said Kenny Bednarek, ahead of his visit to Kolkata. “I’m excited to be part of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata’s 10th year. The city’s passion for sport and the race’s focus on community and health truly resonate with my own story. I look forward to encouraging Kolkata’s spirited participants and celebrating their drive.”
Representing the United States at the highest level, Bednarek has achieved significant international success, with personal bests that rank among the finest in sprinting history: 9.79 seconds in the 100m (2025), 19.57 seconds in the 200m (2024), and 44.73 seconds in the 400m (2019).
Speaking about the association, D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel said: “As we celebrate the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, it is a matter of great pride to welcome Kenny Bednarek as our ambassador. His journey personifies resilience, purpose, and the belief that consistent effort can shape one’s destiny – values that reflect the ethos of both Tata Steel and this event. The World Athletics Gold Label designation has reaffirmed Kolkata’s place on the global running map, and with Kenny joining us this year, we hope to inspire more people to embrace fitness, community, and the joy of running.”
Adding his thoughts, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, “Its been #ADecadeofdiffrence and We are delighted to have Kenny Bednarek as our International Event Ambassador for this landmark 10th edition. His life and career embody the message that consistent effort, resilience, and grace in pursuit of excellence define a true champion. Kenny’s presence will deeply inspire our running community. We look forward to welcoming him in Kolkata and making his visit memorable, as we together celebrate the events’ landmark 10th anniversary”
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Royal Enfield announces season 3 of Ice Hockey in the Himalayas
Royal Enfield today announced the third edition of its Ice hockey season, featuring developmental competitions including the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup, powered by Royal Enfield, in Himachal Pradesh. Building on the success of the previous editions, the 2025–26 season begins with a strong focus on training and community capacity building, reinforcing Royal Enfield’s long-term commitment to nurturing a self-sustaining Ice hockey ecosystem in the Himalayas.
Training the Next Generation of Champions
The season kicks off in November with holistic coach and referee training programs in Dehradun and Leh, led by IIHF-certified instructors – Coach Darryl Eason and Officiating Instructor Peter Gebei. The camps will equip local coaches and officials with advanced skills to lead Learn to Play (LTP) programs, scout and train young talents, and build community-based teams that will go on to compete in the upcoming developmental competitions.
Key Training Highlights:
● Basic & Intermediate Coach Training Camps (Dehradun): Empowering local coaches to conduct Learn to Play (LTP) camps and refine their technical expertise, scout emerging talent to form competitive teams for the developmental leagues.
● Referee Training (Delhi): Bringing together officials from the Army, ITBP, and regional associations, with a strong emphasis on women’s participation in officiating roles.
● Learn to Play (LTP) and Basic Skating Programmes: Introducing over 1000 children to Ice Hockey across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
● Pond Hockey Programme (Leh): A new community initiative, will pilot a 5-day training programme for 80 kids followed by a non-contact 3v3 tournament at Gupuk pond near Leh, serving as a fun and inclusive entry point for young enthusiasts and first-time skaters to experience the sport.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield said, “Ice hockey continues to be a powerful expression of community resilience across the Himalayas. With season 3, we are moving from participation to progression, strengthening the grassroots ecosystem through structured coach and referee training, and extending our reach across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This season is about deepening our impact, enabling local coaches and youth leaders to build, train, and sustain their own communities of play. That, for us, is the real victory, when the movement belongs entirely to the people who live it.”
The season culminates in January 2026 with two of India’s highest-altitude tournaments – Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) in Leh, and the Spiti Cup in Kaza -featuring over 30 teams and nearly 700 players from across Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, for the first time, a new team from Kharu, Ladakh, will join REIHL and from Lahaul region in Himachal Pradesh, will join the Spiti Cup.
The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL), implemented in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, has become the country’s flagship winter sporting event. The Spiti Cup, implemented by the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul-Spiti (IHALS), is now in its third year of partnership with Royal Enfield, continues to be the heartbeat of grassroots Ice hockey in Himachal Pradesh, drawing participation from remote villages such as Losar, Lalung, Keylong, and Sagnam.
Over December and early January, the trained coaches will actively lead player scouting and regional training camps, preparing their teams for the leagues. Coach Darryl Eason will also be in Leh for two weeks during this phase to mentor and support coaches on-ground, ensuring the knowledge from these workshops translates into quality player development.
Training is the focal point of Royal Enfield Social Mission’s efforts to nurture a natural progression of grassroots development that will create a pathway for the next-generation athletes while strengthening the social fabric of Himalayan communities.
A Look Back: Season 2 Highlights
The 2025 edition of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League and the Spiti Cup saw 30 teams across men’s and women’s divisions from regions including Leh, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar, Changthang, Losar, Lalung, Keylong, Pin, and Spiti. Over 10,000 fans attended matches throughout the season, turning frozen rinks into vibrant celebrations of local pride. Kang Sings and Maryul Spamo successfully defended their REIHL title, while Sham Zone and Center Zone claimed top honours in Spiti – a testament to the growing interest of Ice Hockey in the region.
