Leh, Feb 23: Participation of players from grassroot level, development of infrastructure and providing equipment to players would play a pivotal role in building a strong sporting base in Ladakh in the coming years, said the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, during the men’s final match in the 2nd Lieutenant Governor Cup Ice Hockey Championship that was won by Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink. Earlier, the Kharu women’s team won the women’s trophy.
Congratulating all the participating teams, LG Mathur stated that the level and quality of the game has shown improvement since the first edition of the LG Cup. While congratulating the Ladakh women’s team that recently won the national women’s ice hockey championship at Kaza, LG Mathur stated that the achievements show the potential and attraction for ice hockey in Ladakh.
LG Mathur thanked both the Hill Councils for playing crucial roles in promoting sports and developing infrastructure in Leh and Kargil. He also thanked the Member of Parliament for his help to develop infrastructure and increase participation in sports. LG Mathur thanked ITBP and the Indian Army for their contribution in promoting winter games and also appreciated the role played by Ladakh Winter Sports Club in organising the championship.
Highlighting the initiatives taken to promote sports in Ladakh, viz. development of Astroturf football stadium, synthetic track, development of Winter Sports Academy at Zanskar and Drass and preparation of ice hockey rinks in Leh and Kargil where ice hockey may be played around the year, etc., LG Mathur stated that efforts are being made to develop ice hockey rink of international standard sizes in 10 sub-divisions and 31 blocks in Leh and Kargil. He further stated that sports is being promoted in all schools in Ladakh.
He also shared that efforts would be made to complete the roofing and mechanic chilling plant project at Leh at a cost of about Rs 50 crores at the earliest.
Earlier, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Ravinder Kumar, gave the welcome speech.
A total of nine teams participated in the men’s category, whereas five teams took part in the women’s category.
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Executive Councillors, LAHDC Leh; Councillors, LAHDC Leh; Additional Director General of Police, Ladakh; Administrative Secretaries, officials from ITBP and Indian Army, Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh; officials from Department of Youth Services and sports, officials from Ladakh Winter Sports Club, district officials and Police personnel were present during the event.
