Leh, Feb 26: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, today attended the opening ceremony of the Ice Wall Climbing Competition-2022 organised by North-West Frontier ITBP Leh in collaboration with Ladakh Mountaineering Guide Association (LMGA) at Ganglas as the chief guest.
Congratulating ITBP and LGMA for taking the initiative and for organising the event in an organised manner, LG Mathur stressed the need for a collective effort from all organisations, including armed forces and civilians, to organise this event at a grander scale. He stated that it is a matter of pride that around 106 participants are taking part in this ice wall climbing competition.
He also expressed hope to see international participants taking part in the event and also participants from Ladakh at the Winter Olympics. LG Mathur said that ice wall climbing and ice and snow sculpting could become major events to attract tourists in winters.
LG Mathur said that events such as skiing, ropeway, snow sculpture, walking and marathon on ice have the potential to make Ladakh a top winter destination for tourists. He also stated that the adventure activities taken up by Ladakh Police and ITBP such as Chadar trek and rafting will strengthen their capacities to serve the people of Ladakh and help tourists.
LG Mathur also stressed on the need for comprehensive infrastructure to make adventure sports safe, attractive and popular among tourists. This may include safety of sports, medical help, medical evacuation, etc.
Earlier, Inspector General, North-West Frontier of ITBP, Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, welcomed the guests. He stated that the objective of the competition is to attract international participants and also prepare athletes who could represent India at Winter Olympics. He further stated that these events would boost winter tourism and enable Ladakh to become a hub for winter activities.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG), North-West Frontier, ITBP, Sandeep Khosla, gave the vote of thanks. The ITBP and LMGA teams gave a demonstration of ice wall climbing and medical rescue.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), SS Khandare; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shrikant Suse; Senior Superintendent of Police, PD Nitya; Upper Leh Councillor, Stanzin Tsepak were present during the event.
13 teams are taking part in the two-day competition in which lead and speed events would be held.
