Sports to be developed as a way of life for a fit Ladakh

Secretary Ravinder Kumar holds a meeting with the sports fraternity

Leh, February 28: Since the formation of the UT of Ladakh, the Youth Services and Sports Department, Ladakh has undertaken various initiatives for the promotion of sports in Ladakh, including the development of sports infrastructure, distribution of sports equipments, facilitating sports events, nationally as well as internationally, stated Secretary Youth Services and Sports Department Ravinder Kumar during a meeting he chaired for discussing a proposal for engaging a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for the development of Sports in Ladakh.

Eminent Sports personalities from Leh and Kargil and representatives of various sports associations attended the brainstorming session held in the presence of Joint Director YS&SD Moses Kunzang.

Founder of Ladakh Marathon, Chewang Motup stated that Ladakhis are inbuilt with the two main components of a sportsperson – stamina and endurance and stressed that the need of the hour is to develop a long-term strategy for the bright future of sports in Ladakh. He also highlighted the need to identify trained coaches from within Ladakh and also identify people keen to be trained as coaches. Further, Motup also suggested that efforts must be made for scouting talent from every corner of Ladakh and provide them with the required atmosphere to grow as potential sportspersons. Motup stated that efforts put in now will reap results over the next 10 years.

Taekwondoin Zaheer Abbas stressed on the need to develop a sports council for the overall management of sports and its allied sectors,while Marathon runner Tsering Stobgais spoke of streamlining a financial assistance system for supporting sportspersons and the provision of sports quota in government organizations. He also opined that promoting a positive sports culture through a regulatory body is also pertinent to spread a positive sports environment for young sports enthusiasts. Promoting sports at the school level and utilizing existing sports facilities, in and off-season were stressed by Ice hockey player Zai-u-ddin.

Sadiq Ali, Ladakh Ski and Snowboard Association spoke of the promotion of adventure sports and stated participation in events such as Khelo India act as a great platform for scouting talent. He also apprised the chair that a detailed project report on potential slopes for snow skiing has been developed by the association. He also requested standard equipments required for participation in national-level events, along with infrastructure such as snow scooters, gondolas, etc. which will aid practice and act as a source of tourism activity.

Discussions were also held on identifying the stakeholders of the sports fraternity for flawless communication to yield maximum benefit of opportunities in the field.

Dr. Jigmet Deachen, Dean Student Welfare, and Sports, University of Ladakh expressed that developing a systematic sports curriculum for schools is vital for the promotion of sports at the grassroots. He further reiterated the need to provide regular refresher courses to the existing Physical Education teachers for upgrading their knowledge and skills.

JD Moses Kunzang, while reiterating the role of the department in the promotion of sports, stated that despite the absence of a sports council, the department has successfully facilitated sportspersons at various national-level sports events and highlighted the need for associations as well as individuals to play an active role in up-keep of the existing and upcoming infrastructures.

He further informed that the department is determined to chalk out a roadmap for the development of sports in Ladakh and the professional expertise of a PMU will act vital in this endeavor.