Excelsior Sports Correspondent
DRASS, Aug 28: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, reaffirmed the UT administration’s vision of transforming Ladakh into a centre of cultural heritage and sporting excellence. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th LG Polo Cup at Goshan Horse Polo Stadium in Drass, the Lt Governor emphasized the revival of traditional sports like horse polo and the expansion of winter sports to empower youth and promote tourism.
In a closely contested final, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre defeated D Meadows Drass by 4-3 in a penalty shootout to lift the prestigious cup. A total of 17 teams, including 12 men’s and 5 women’s teams, participated in the tournament, showcasing the growing popularity of polo in the region.
Highlighting Ladakh’s rich history, the LG noted that horse polo, introduced in the 17th century, is both a royal sport and a cultural treasure. He announced efforts to seek recognition of horse polo as a traditional sport of Ladakh at the national level, with dedicated support for its promotion.
Gupta stressed the importance of developing other indigenous sports and enhancing infrastructure for ice hockey and the Khelo India Winter Games, aiming to establish Ladakh as a premier sports tourism destination. “Our vision is to build world-class infrastructure while preserving our cultural roots,” he said.
He praised the increasing participation of women in polo, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women empowerment and assured adequate funding and coaching to promote horse polo, including its introduction in schools. Paying homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War, the LG urged youth to emulate their courage and discipline in all fields. He commended the players’ spirit and the community’s commitment to preserving Ladakh’s heritage.
Chairman LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and MP Mohmad Hanifa Jan also spoke, urging stronger support for local players and the implementation of a Sports Policy in Ladakh. Other dignitaries, including senior officials such as Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha, along with Councillors Abdul Wahid and Abdul Samad, also spoke on the occasion. The event was attended by Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil Kacho Feroz Ahmed, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Director Rural Development Department, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, and SSP Kargil Shree Ram R.
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