Ladakhi marathon winners get rousing welcome in Leh

Our Correspondent

Leh, February 29

A grand welcome was accorded to the Ladakhi marathon winners on their arrival at Kushok Bakula Airport in Leh recently.

The athletes from Ladakh — Jigmet Dolma, Tsetan Dolkar, Tashi Ladol, Stanzin Chondol, Stanzin Dolkar, Deskit Dolma, Nawang Tsering, Manzoor Hussian and Sonam Targyais — recently won many marathons and were accorded a welcome by their family members, well-wishers and also the founder of the Ladakh Marathon Chewang Motup Goba, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri.

One of the marathon winners, Jigmet Dolma, expressed gratitude to Goba for providing them a platform to take parts in various marathons held across the country. Dolma said she had she got the chance to represent the country at the South Asian Games.

She said her timing was improving but there was need for a proper running track in Leh so that they could compete at various levels. She said at present, runners had to practice on roads.

Another marathon winner Manzoor Hussain said Goba had made all arrangements for the runners and they were grateful to him.

The winners of the Ladakh Marathon are given an opportunity to take part in marathons held across the country every winter. All arrangements, including the training, food, lodging and transportation, for the athletes are arranged by Goba.

“When the Ladakh Marathon started in 2012, I had never imagined that I would get quick results, but every year, the runners are getting better and every Ladakhi is proud of them. The days are not far when not only Ladakh but also the entire country will be proud of the girls,” said Goba. He expressed gratitude to coach Savior D’souza and said he worked hard to train the runners. He also thanked the runners for working hard.

He said the runners would soon make a name in the international sports arena and put Ladakh on a higher position in the long distance run.

Goba urged the Union Territory administration to create a running track and gym and provide coaches to motivate the sportspersons of Ladakh.

Concrete steps will be taken to facilitate sportspersons: Mathur

• Jammu: Lt-Governor of Ladakh Radha Krishna Mathur on Saturday lauded the athletes for earning laurel for Ladakh during recent athletic events in different parts of India.
• Mathur during an interaction organised for the atheletes at Raj Niwas in Leh appreciated that despite limited resources the runners excelled in their sport and made Ladakh proud.
• Mathur mentioned taking some concrete steps in the near future to facilitate the sports fraternity to encourage youngsters to participate in sports of their choice. TNS