Ladakh admn framing policy to reward deserving sportspersons; L-G

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has said that the sports policy for the Union Territory is being framed to reward the deserving sportspersons and encourage youth to participate in sports.

Gupta was speaking during the inauguration of the 7-a-side League Tournament organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) under the theme, ‘Ladakh says no to drugs’, at the Spituk astroturf football stadium.

Stating that sportspersons were rewarded in neighbouring states like Haryana and Punjab, which was hitherto missing from Ladakh, the L-G stated that UT administration is in the process of framing Ladakh Sports Policy to recognise and reward players who bring laurels to the region by winning medals in international and national-level tournaments.

“We must recognise the sportspersons and encourage them to embrace sports for the success of the drug-free Ladakh campaign. Coaches, who are builders of young athletes and play a crucial role in their development beyond just athletic skills, should also be rewarded for their services,” stated Gupta.

He lauded the transformative impact of the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, describing it as a landmark step in harnessing the potential of the nation’s youth through sports. He emphasised that such initiatives go a long way in channelising the energy of the youth in a positive direction, promoting fitness, discipline and teamwork.

Highlighting adverse weather conditions that has helped Ladakh become the hub of ice hockey in the country and one of the most popular sport among Ladakhi youth, the L-G promised that administration would provide all necessary facilities such as equipment in different disciplines if the Ladakhi youth come forward and work hard on their sports skills to compete against the best at national and international level.