KARGIL: In a significant development, a team of ice hockey experts from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is slated to visit Kargil district to assess infrastructure needs and other logistics, in a bid to develop the sports in the region.
Ice Hockey is a popular sport in the union territory of Ladakh and the administration has already undertaken the construction work of two sites, Bemathang Ice Hockey Rink and Ice Hockey Stadium Kurbathang, in the district.
International Ice Hockey Federation is a worldwide governing body for ice hockey, based in Zurich, Switzerland, and has 83 member countries.
On Friday, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmed Khan chaired a review meeting at Council Secretariat with concerned stakeholders to seek suggestions to frame policies for strengthening Ice Hockey infrastructure in Kargil.
The CEC informed that a team of ice hockey experts from the International Ice Hockey Association will be visiting various areas of Kargil in coming days to assess infrastructure needs and other logistics related to the development of Ice Hockey infrastructure in Kargil.
“Therefore, concerned stakeholders should forward their suggestions so that it can be discussed with the experts,” he said.
The CEC directed the concerned officers to accompany the expert team to show them identified ice hockey spots on the allotted days in various areas of the district.
Moreover, he informed that the team will be visiting the under-construction sites of Bemathang Ice Hockey Rink and Ice Hockey Stadium Kurbathang.
Khan added that administrators and coaches should be present during the tour. He said the experts will take a meeting with the concerned sports associations for suggestions. Moreover, the associations should brief the experts about requirements in infrastructure and equipment.
Khan further directed that R&B, Electrical and Mechanical Division should be taken on board during the inspection of sites.
During the meeting, representatives of various associations forwarded their suggestions to which CEC gave a patient hearing and said the suggestions will be discussed with the experts.
The associations also shared various issues and challenges related to the conduct of Ice Hockey activities to which the CEC assured to do the needful action.
Khan said the associations should take opportunity as the exercise is under the supervision of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and has handsome corporate funding.
The CEC asked various associations to make a unified District Ice Hockey Association so that it can benefit them at large.
The concerned officers informed that Ice Hockey stadium at Kurbathang is a promising project and steps will be taken to complete mechanical and electrical component of the structure. The CEC said that necessary action will be taken in this regard.
During the meeting, the concerned officer of Youth Services and Sports Department briefed the CEC about various physical and financial activities of the department and said the department is focused to establish maximum infrastructure in coming years in sports.
Khan directed the concerned dept. to take custody of Astro Turf Kargil to avoid any physical damage and after required formalities it will be handed over to Sports Authority of India.
Executive Engineer, R&B Division Kargil Sadiq Ali, Exen Mechanical Division Kargil Mohammad Hassan, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Kargil, Abid Ali, stakeholders including Asgar Ali, Ice Hockey player from Pashkum, Zia-ul-Rehman, Ice Hockey player from Bhimbat, Drass, President Ladakh Youth Skating Trust, General Secretary Ladakh Youth Skating Trust, President Down Hill Ice Hockey Association Kargil besides concerned officers were present during the meeting.
