KARGIL: Lt Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta today underlined the immense potential of ice hockey and other winter sports in Ladakh, stating that the region’s unique climate, geography and resilient youth provide a natural advantage to emerge as a premier hub for winter sports in the country.
The Lt Governor was speaking while addressing the Closing Ceremony of the 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026 at Kargil.
In the men’s final, ITBP defeated Ladakh Scouts 2–1 in a closely contested match. In the women’s final, ITBP Women’s Team emerged victorious against LWIHF with an impressive 7–3 scoreline. The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from 10 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams, making the event a major celebration of winter sports in the region.
The Lt Governor said that ice hockey in Ladakh is not merely a sport but an integral part of the region’s lifestyle and identity, shaped by its harsh climate and challenging terrain. He lauded the determination, hard work and perseverance of Ladakhi youth, noting that they have embraced the sport despite limited resources and difficult conditions, turning challenges into strength.
Highlighting the Government of India’s vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said sports are being promoted as a powerful medium for career development, youth empowerment and nation-building. He said initiatives such as Khelo India have provided national platforms to talented youth from remote and border areas, including Ladakh.
The Lt Governor informed that Ladakh will host the 6th Khelo India Winter Games from 20 January at the international-standard Indoor Ice Hockey Rink in Leh. He said the facility, constructed at a cost of around ₹51 crore, is equipped with a fully automated chilling plant, modern spectator amenities and provisions for year-round training and competitions, marking a historic milestone in Ladakh’s sports infrastructure.
The Lt Governor further stated that nearly 500 players from across the country will participate in the upcoming Winter Games, describing it as a proud and historic moment for Ladakh. He emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure that players, coaches and officials experience Ladakh’s warm hospitality, vibrant sports culture and breathtaking natural beauty, so that they return as ambassadors of Ladakh, carrying positive impressions of the region to their respective states and communities.
Referring to the recently implemented Ladakh Sports Policy 2025, the Lt Governor said the Policy aims to strengthen sports development through systematic talent identification, equal opportunities for women and para-athletes, scholarships, incentives for outstanding players, robust sports infrastructure and the creation of Centres of Excellence. He said the objective is to enable Ladakhi athletes to bring laurels to the nation at national and international levels.
Addressing young athletes, the Lt Governor urged them to view sports as a means to develop discipline, confidence and essential life skills, and not merely as competition. He assured them of full support from the Administration, stating that their hard work and success would inspire continued efforts to take Ladakh’s sports ecosystem to the next level.
Appreciating the performances witnessed during the championship, the Lt Governor congratulated the winning and runner-up teams and commended all participating teams for their dedication, discipline and sportsmanship. He said the tournament was competitive, thrilling and inspiring, and emphasized that the true spirit of sports lies not only in winning medals but in building character, confidence and team spirit.
In conclusion, the Lt Governor lauded the District Administration Kargil, Sports Department, organizing committee, volunteers, security agencies and local residents for the successful conduct of the championship, and formally declared the 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026 closed.
Later, the Lt Governor felicitated the winning ITBP men and women teams and also handed the winning trophies to them. He also felicitated the participating players and officials.
In his address, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, appreciated the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organising the tournament in a professional manner and requested the Lieutenant Governor to consider the continuation of the CEC Ice Hockey Cup by allocating budget. He also highlighted the importance of obtaining administrative approvals for the proposed multi-car parking project, stating that improved infrastructure is essential for hosting major sporting events and accommodating spectators.
Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Shri Moses Kunzang, in his welcome address, emphasised the growing significance of the LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship and appreciated the support extended by the Curling Federation of India (CFI) towards the promotion of winter sports in Ladakh.
As part of the programme, friendly demonstration matches of ice skating and ice curling were also organised, showcasing the expanding scope and potential of winter sports in Ladakh.
Among those present during the event were Executive Councillors, Councillors from LAHDC Kargil; SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Director, School Education, Tsering Paldan; Joint Director, YSS, Tahir Hussain; officials from YSS, Curling Federation of India and other senior officials.
