LEH/JAMMU, May 13: Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Tuesday, inaugurated India’s highest Astro Turf football ground, constructed at an altitude of 11,500 feet, along with a newly-built VIP Stand and an 8-lane synthetic athletic track at the open stadium in Leh. The modern sports infrastructure, developed at a cost of over Rs 30 crore, marks a major milestone in strengthening world-class sporting facilities in Ladakh, officials said.
The VIP stand at the open stadium has been constructed at a cost of Rs 19.85 crore under the special development package (SDP) of the department of youth services and sports.
The synthetic athletic track and Astro Turf football ground have been developed at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore under the government of India’s flagship Khelo India scheme, they said.
The sports complex comprises an 8-lane synthetic athletic track, a state-of-theart Astro Turf football ground, VIP stand, long jump pits, handball and volleyball courts, besides spectator galleries, making it a fully-equipped sports facility, they said.
“A 64-room youth hostel has also been developed to provide accommodation for athletes, coaches and visiting teams”.
Officials said the facility is expected to ensure year-round sporting activities despite Ladakh’s harsh weather conditions.
Describing the inauguration as a historic development, the Lieutenant Governor said that the facility symbolises the collective resolve to build a healthy, strong and empowered society through sports and youth engagement.
“The inauguration of the modern sports infrastructure marks the beginning of a new era of dreams, aspirations and opportunities for the youth of Ladakh. For the first time in Ladakh’s history, young athletes now have access to international-level sports infrastructure within their own region,” Saxena said.
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for continued support towards the development of Ladakh, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, tourism, education and sports.
The Lieutenant Governor said sports were not merely a means of competition and winning medals, but also a foundation for discipline, confidence and a healthy lifestyle.
He added that world-class sports facilities and training in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment would help athletes develop greater endurance, resilience and physical strength.
He reiterated the UT Administration’s vision of producing national and international-level athletes from Ladakh who would bring laurels to the region and the country.
On the occasion, an exhibition 400-metre mixed relay race was organised, while an exhibition football match was also played between Skalzangling FC and Dzawo 11 FC. (Agencies)
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