Kargil: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today emphasised the importance of promoting a sporting culture and enhancing women’s participation in sports in Ladakh, calling it crucial for holistic student development.
He said that sports build confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills while promoting physical and mental well-being. It also helps break down gender stereotypes, fosters social inclusion, and prepares students for future professional and personal challenges.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the North Zone Women’s Kabaddi Championship, organised by the University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Commending the University of Ladakh for hosting such a prestigious zonal and inter-zonal women’s kabaddi championship—with a record-breaking participation of 48 universities from across India—the Lt Governor said the initiative reflects the growing sporting culture in Ladakh and the University’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and leadership in sports. He lauded the University’s sustained efforts in promoting sports and fitness among students.
The Lt Governor also praised the meteoric rise of the University of Ladakh under the leadership of Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, referring to the successful conduct of its second Convocation Ceremony, in which 612 degrees were conferred, and the recent completion of non-teaching staff appointments for the first time—providing valuable employment opportunities to Ladakh’s youth. He highlighted the University’s commitment to expanding avenues for higher education, with over 50 postgraduate and 17 Ph.D. programmes, ensuring accessible and quality education for students of the region.
The Lt Governor further appreciated the four-fold increase in admissions to the University, indicating the growing trust of students in its academic excellence. He underscored the University’s achievements in research and innovation, having secured research projects worth over ₹50 crores from various funding agencies. He also praised the University’s School of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kargil Campus, for successfully extracting buckwheat honey, and commended its focus on skilling the youth through the introduction of new-age courses across campuses in collaboration with the Tribal Research Institute, MeitY, and NIELIT—reflecting the UT Administration’s vision to promote a digital and innovation-driven future that equips Ladakh’s youth with skills relevant for tomorrow’s industries.
In his concluding remarks, the Lt Governor extended his best wishes to all participating teams, urging them to play with passion, integrity, and sportsmanship. “Let this championship be a celebration of women’s strength, unity, and the indomitable spirit of youth,” he said.
As the Chancellor of the University, the Lt Governor reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to supporting educational, research, and sporting initiatives that empower Ladakhi youth and help position the region as a hub of academic, sporting, and cultural excellence.
During the event, the Lt Governor felicitated Mohammad Jawed for his remarkable achievement of being selected as a coach for the National Volleyball Team.
Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, in his address, termed the event a “historic moment for Kargil,” marking a new chapter in the region’s sporting journey. He also emphasised the need for establishing a dedicated Agriculture University in Kargil to promote agricultural innovation and research suited to Ladakh’s unique climatic conditions.
Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan, while addressing the gathering, appreciated the University for hosting a national-level women’s sporting event in Kargil and urged visiting athletes to act as ambassadors of Kargil, sharing their positive experiences of the region’s hospitality, culture, and warmth when they return to their respective states and universities.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, in his welcome address, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, guests, and participating teams. He said that the championship represents a milestone in promoting women’s sports in Ladakh, and expressed gratitude to the UT Administration, LAHDC Kargil, and supporting institutions for their continuous encouragement and facilitation of youth and sports development in the region.
