Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon today attended the National Sports Day celebrations held under the theme ‘Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main’. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched the nationwide sports and fitness movement from 29th to 31st August to encourage participation in physical activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Akhoon emphasized the importance of financial assistance for sportspersons and informed that a comprehensive sports policy for Ladakh is under process. He said that the UT administration is making provisions to support players representing Ladakh at the national and international levels.
He further shared that during his recent meeting with the Union Sports Minister, various sports-related issues were discussed, and the Minister agreed to set up a Winter Sports Academy in Kargil, recognizing the district’s potential and natural suitability for winter sports. He also added that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has undertaken 500 kanal of land for sports infrastructure which is expected to receive administrative approval soon.
Highlighting the value of sports, Dr. Akhoon said, “Sports help in both mental and physical well-being and should also be seen as a professional career option.” He appreciated the commitment of officials like recently appointed secretary Youth Services and Sports, Bhanu Prabha and Joint Director Youth Services & Sports, Tahir Zubdavi, describing them as competent professionals, who are dedicated and enthusiastic about developing sports infrastructure in Ladakh.
Dr. Akhoon expressed hope that young players from Ladakh, particularly girls who are excelling in every sphere of life, will continue to shine at national and international platforms. He assured that despite limited funds, the Department of Youth Services and Sports will continue to organize more sporting events at higher levels. CEC also said that LG Ladakh has assured full support to promote traditional games like Horse Polo sport at National level.
Special guest on the occasion, Member Parliament UT Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan congratulated SAI and the Youth Department for successfully conducting Sports Day in Kargil. He noted that sports-related activities in Ladakh have been steadily increasing over the past years, with several athletes earning recognition at national and international levels. He also stressed that the forthcoming sports policy will provide much-needed financial support to athletes, enabling them to achieve excellence.
The event was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Colonel Aman Sali, DYSSO, athletes, and students from various institutions.
