LEH, FEBRUARY 14: Highlighting a significant shift in the region’s developmental trajectory, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, declared today that sports have emerged as a powerful transformative force, driving economic growth and establishing a global identity for the Union Territory.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Ice Hockey Rink, the Lt Governor emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ladakh is successfully converting its challenging winter conditions into opportunities for excellence. He noted that the region is rapidly evolving into India’s winter sports capital, with the Khelo India Winter Games serving as a testament to its immense potential as a premier international hub for ice sports.
The tournament, which featured 75 matches since late January, concluded with high-octane summit clashes showcasing the best of Himalayan talent. In the men’s division, the Humas Warriors secured the championship title with a commanding 3-1 victory over the Purig Warriors. Meanwhile, the women’s final saw the Sham Eagles crowned champions after a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Shakar Chiktan Queens.
LG Gupta lauded the “daughters of Ladakh” for setting new benchmarks in the sporting arena, noting that their confident participation is a cornerstone of positive social change and gender equality in the region.The event, organized by the Royal Enfield Social Mission in collaboration with the UT Administration and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh (IHAL), highlighted a robust grassroots ecosystem with teams participating from remote areas including Dras, Zanskar, Nubra, and Changthang. The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude to Royal Enfield for their institutional support, stating that such partnerships are vital for nurturing local talent.
He encouraged the youth to view sports not just as a competitive endeavor but as a career pathway and a medium for nation-building, urging them to work with dedication to ensure that every village in Ladakh becomes a center for sporting activity and discipline.
