Leh, Sept 07: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), attended the final match of the Climate Cup Football Tournament between Delhi FC and Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) at Astroturf Open Stadium, Leh. Delhi FC won the final, defeating TNSA 6-0 in the final.
Terming the Climate Cup a good initiative, the HLG stated that such a football tournament on a grand scale has been organised in Ladakh for the first time. Highlighting the mantra of carbon-neutral Ladakh given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the HLG stated that the Climate Cup is a medium to spread the message of carbon neutrality initiative taken by the Administration, both the Hill Councils and PRIs, as it is India’s first zero polythene, minimal waste football event.
The HLG stated that he wants the Ladakhi youth to participate in sports events to ensure their involvement in building a stronger community. He hoped that the Ladakhi youth would make the most of sporting events such as the Climate Cup for their own benefit and the Ladakhi community’s benefit.
Congratulating both the winning and the runners-up teams, the HLG appreciated all four teams for displaying sportsmanship spirit during the Climate Cup. He sought cooperation from the people of Ladakh to take sports forward in the region so that the maximum number of Ladakhi youth could be engaged in sports activities.
The HLG and other dignitaries, including Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, distributed medals and certificates to the winning and runners-up men’s team and women’s LAHDC Leh and UT Administration teams which took part in the exhibition match. The HLG handed over the cheque of Rs 3 lakhs and the special Climate Cup made using the Ladakhi woodcarving technique to Delhi FC while the TNSA team won Rs 2 lakhs as the runners-up team
Four teams- Delhi Football Club, UT Ladakh team, 1 Ladakh FC and Tibetan National Sports Association Team- took part in the week-long event which aimed to provide a platform for players to exhibit their skills and foster a sense of responsibility towards saving the environment. Clothing and other logistical requirements to be used in the event have been made of recycled materials.
Earlier, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Shri Ravinder Kumar welcomed the guests and highlighted the carbon-neutral initiatives taken while organising the Climate Cup.
Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Shri Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Shri Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors- Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Shri Stanzin Chosphel; Councillors; Administrative Secretaries; Joint Director, YSS, Shri Moses Kunzang; President, AIFF, Shri Kalyan Chaubey; Secretary General, AIFF, Shri Shaji Prabhakaran; former Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia; District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Leh, Shri Tsering Tashi; officials from Powergrid and Ladakh Football Association; district officials, students and large number of spectators were present during the final match.
