LEH, LADAKH – April 24, 2026 – The Department of Animal Husbandry, UT Ladakh, proudly announces and extends its warmest congratulations to Sh. Thinley Norboo on his historic achievement of securing the Gold Medal at the prestigious World Cheese Championship recently held in Brazil. Sh. Norboo was awarded the top international honor for his exceptional traditional product, “Yak Churpi,” bringing unprecedented global recognition to Ladakh’s rich pastoral heritage.
Commending this remarkable feat, Shri Rudra Gaud PT, IAS, Secretary of Animal Husbandry, UT Ladakh, offered his heartfelt congratulations to Sh. Norboo. Secretary Gaud emphasized the immense potential of indigenous Ladakhi dairy products on the world stage. He encouraged the region’s young nomads and pastoral communities to draw inspiration from this success, urging them to focus on value addition, building strong brands, and marketing traditional products to a broader global audience.
The Department also formally acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made this international triumph possible. Special gratitude was extended to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for providing the foundational platform and technical support for this initiative. Furthermore, the administration highlighted and praised the vital role of Ladakh Oma for facilitating the logistical requirements and ensuring Sh. Norboo’s timely and successful participation at the championship in Brazil.
Following his return, Sh. Thinley Norboo was formally felicitated by the Director of Animal Husbandry, UT Ladakh, alongside the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO), Leh. The officials honored his dedication and his significant contribution to elevating Ladakh’s dairy and livestock sector onto the global map.
This historic win not only highlights the exceptional quality of Himalayan Yak Churpi but also paves the way for future socio-economic empowerment of the nomadic herder communities across Ladakh.
