Kargil, August 24: The Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today inaugurated the 5th LG Horse Polo Tournament at Polo Ground Goshan, Drass.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon congratulated all participants for their enthusiasm, active involvement, and representation from different regions of Ladakh. He particularly lauded the players from Drass for their dedication and contribution to reviving and promoting horse polo in the region, highlighting their immense talent and potential.
The CEC acknowledged the efforts of former Lieutenant Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra for his role in promoting horse polo, including initiatives to provide Ladakhi players with specialized training outside the region.
Sharing insights from his recent visit to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in New Delhi, Dr. Akhoon emphasized Ladakh’s potential as a hub for winter sports. He revealed that the Ministry has assured support and an official visit to Drass to explore opportunities for developing winter sports infrastructure.
He further underlined that gradual improvements are already underway in terms of sports infrastructure, including the construction of playgrounds, indoor facilities, and enhanced funding. Reaffirming LAHDC Kargil’s commitment, he assured that the Council will continue to promote horse polo at national and international levels while simultaneously strengthening winter sports. He added that such initiatives would not only promote sports but also boost tourism and create new employment avenues for the youth of Ladakh.
Despite the rainy weather, Dr. Akhoon commended the energy and spirit of players, guests, and spectators. He also directed the SDM Drass to ensure proper accommodation and hospitality for the participants from across Ladakh and beyond.
Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, thanking the CEC for his support. He briefed about the ongoing development of sports infrastructure in Drass, noting that several projects have been completed while others are in progress.
He also highlighted the progress made this year compared to the last, noting that a total of 17 teams participated, including 5 women’s teams. He further stated that the Department of Youth Services and Sports is extending all possible assistance to promote horse polo and will continue to do so on a larger scale in the future.
Councillors from Drass, Mr. Abdul Samad and Mr. Abdul Wahid, also welcomed the participants and organizers. They expressed gratitude to the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organizing such a prestigious event in Drass and requested the Hon’ble CEC to enhance publicity and infrastructure development to attract national and international tourists to this unique sporting tradition, which will further strengthen the local economy.
SDM Drass, Mr. Vishal Atri, extended a warm welcome to all players and guests, assuring smooth conduct of the tournament. He noted that horse polo is gradually gaining recognition in the region and has tremendous potential to emerge as a tourism-driven sport in Drass and Ladakh.
The 5th LG Horse Polo Tournament is expected to not only showcase the rich cultural and athletic heritage of Ladakh but also to foster sportsmanship, strengthen regional identity, and promote tourism in the region.
