Kargil, March 26, 2026: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today attended the closing ceremony of Ladakh’s first-ever State Open Snow Ski Championship 2026 at the Yakza Umba Ski Slope, Sankoo, as the Chief Guest.
On the occasion, Dr. Akhoon warmly welcomed the Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, Shri Moses Kunzang, Joint Director Youth Services & Sports, Shri Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, members of the Snow Ski Association, and all participating athletes. He appreciated their dedication and efforts in promoting winter sports in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the CEC highlighted the immense potential of snow skiing in the Kargil region and emphasized the need for greater youth participation. He stated that sports are not only a source of recreation but also hold promising opportunities for the future. Dr. Akhoon assured full support from LAHDC Kargil and the UT Administration for the development of winter sports infrastructure. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Umba for their cooperation and support in successfully hosting the event.
Dr. Akhoon further assured that necessary steps would be taken to meet the demand for a mobile drag lift under the District Capex plan. He stressed that coordinated planning and collective efforts would significantly enhance sports infrastructure and boost winter tourism across various regions of Kargil.
Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, Shri Moses Kunzang, also addressed the gathering and welcomed all dignitaries and participants. He reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and organising more such events in Ladakh. Highlighting Kargil’s vast potential in winter sports, he stated that the presence of multiple natural slopes makes it ideal for snow skiing, and efforts will be made to tap this potential. He assured that the demand for a drag lift would be taken up with higher authorities.
He further congratulated the people of Kargil, particularly Sankoo, and informed that the establishment of an Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) base in Sankoo is expected soon. This, he noted, would greatly benefit local youth by providing professional training and creating more opportunities to excel in winter sports.
Joint Director, Youth Services & Sports, Shri Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, in his address, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted that snow skiing will be included in the official sports calendar of UT Ladakh from next year. He informed that structured training programs will be introduced for athletes and that the department has actively organised multiple sporting events this year, investing approximately Rs. 3 crore. He also emphasised ongoing efforts to identify and nurture young talent from the grassroots level.
Councillor Lankerchey, Ghulam Haider, also expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honour, the officials, and the participants. He requested support for drag lift infrastructure and emphasised the potential of Yakza Umba slope to host national and international winter sports events through major development projects.
The championship witnessed the participation of 91 athletes, both male and female, from across Ladakh. The three-day event (March 24–26, 2026) featured competitions including Snowboard Giant Slalom, Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom), Ski Mountaineering Sprint, and Ski Mountaineering Vertical.
Describing the championship as a grand success, the organisers stated that the event has provided a vital platform for local talent to showcase their skills on home ground. It is expected to play a significant role in nurturing future champions from Ladakh’s high-altitude Himalayan region.
The championship was organised by the Department of Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, to promote snow skiing, develop sports infrastructure, and encourage youth participation in winter sports.
