Leh, Feb 19: Stressing the need to build a vibrant sports culture aligned with Ladakh’s geography and youth aspirations, Chief Secretary of UT-Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Thursday underscored the importance of a strong institutional framework under the Ladakh Sports Policy and accelerated infrastructure development across the Union Territory.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Department of Youth Services & Sports and the 1 Ladakh BN NCC in Leh, the Chief Secretary said that sports must be developed in a structured and inclusive manner, ensuring wider access, improved facilities and effective utilisation of financial resources.
Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Moses Kunzang, presented a detailed overview of the department’s organisational structure, sanctioned strength and vacancy position of non-gazetted posts, recruitment rules and budgetary provisions under the State Development Programme (SDP), State Sector schemes and the Changthang Development Package. Expenditure trends and fund utilisation were reviewed to assess administrative efficiency and implementation timelines.
Special deliberations centred on operationalising the Ladakh Sports Policy through a proactive Ladakh Sports Council capable of guiding planning, coordination and monitoring of sports initiatives across districts. The Chief Secretary called for strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure that the policy translates into tangible outcomes on the ground.
The department highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and recently introduced facilities, including a shooting range, equestrian riding facilities, squash courts and artificial climbing walls. These additions, officials said, are intended to diversify sporting disciplines and create opportunities for competitive training within the region.
Recognising Ladakh’s unique terrain, the Chief Secretary directed the department to introduce structured mountaineering courses to channel local potential into skill-based adventure sports. He observed that such programmes would not only enhance youth engagement but also align sports development with the region’s natural advantages.
In a separate presentation, Lt Col Alok Pratap Singh, Commanding Officer of the battalion, briefed the meeting on the organisational structure and authorised strength of the NCC unit. Concerns were expressed over limited participation from educational institutions, with directions issued to improve coordination and outreach.
The review also covered centrally organised camps, including Annual Training Camps, cadet achievements and challenges related to outsourced manpower. Progress of construction works at the NCC Training Academy (NTA) Phyang in Leh, along with the status of UT State funds and financial projections, came under discussion. The requirement of additional funds for completion of ongoing works at NTA Phyang was also examined.
The Chief Secretary directed concerned departments to expedite pending projects, ensure timely completion of infrastructure and maintain prudent utilisation of funds to advance youth development and sports initiatives across UT-Ladakh.
Chief Secy Kundra calls for robust Sports ecosystem, reviews Ladakh Sports Policy
