Kargil, Feb 12: The 17th CEC Cup Ice Hockey Championship commenced at the Ice Hockey Rink, Biamathang, in Kargil, drawing wide participation from across the district and an enthusiastic response from sports lovers.
A total of 29 men’s teams and four women’s teams are competing in the district-level championship, reflecting the steady rise of ice hockey as a leading winter sport in the region.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by the Acting Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Kacho Mohd Feroz, who performed the ceremonial puck drop as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Feroz said that ice hockey has emerged as a strong sporting identity of Ladakh and assured continued institutional support for the promotion of winter sports. He said that, despite financial and administrative constraints, the championship has been organised through coordinated efforts of the district administration and the Sports Department.
He further informed that several winter sports infrastructure projects, including skiing facilities at Drass, Linkipal and Zanskar, are in the pipeline and are awaiting official approvals.
The Acting CEC also stated that the completion of the chilling system at the all-weather indoor ice facility in Kargil will enable year-round training for young players and improve the overall standard of ice hockey in the district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, who attended the opening ceremony as Guest of Honour, said that sports events of this nature play an important role in shaping discipline and character among the youth. He underlined that active engagement in sports helps steer young people away from drugs and other harmful activities and provides them with constructive opportunities.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Medical Officer Kargil Dr. Liyaqat Ali, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Kargil Abid Ali, the President of the Kargil Ice Hockey Association, other senior officials and a large number of spectators.
The championship will continue over the coming days and is expected to witness strong participation and support from across Kargil district.
