Gyalson, Khachu Tsephel meet Delhi CM Gupta
Leh, Jul 09: In a defining moment for Ladakh’s sporting landscape, Chairman, CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, met with the players of 1 FC Ladakh Club, who are gearing up for their maiden appearance in the prestigious Durand Cup 2025.
Adding to the excitement, global sportswear brand PUMA has come on board as the official jersey sponsor for the club, marking a bold step toward professionalising football in the region and building a distinct sporting identity for Ladakh.
The visit was led by Chairman of the Ladakh Football Association, Tashi Gyalson Kachu, who extended heartfelt gratitude to LAHDC Leh for its consistent support in developing the sports sector.
The CEC praised the club’s rising momentum and called the moment a historic breakthrough, made possible in the wake of Ladakh attaining Union Territory status.
He further encouraged the team to stay focused, disciplined, and determined, reminding them that strong performances at platforms like the Durand Cup could unlock future opportunities to play for top clubs across India.
Earlier in the day, Chairman, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillor Tashi Yakzee, Newly Elected BJP, Ladakh President Khachu Tashi, Councillor Ven. Konchok Tsephel, met with the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta in New Delhi.
At the outset, the delegation congratulated Smt. Rekha Gupta on assuming charge as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi and extended their best wishes for a successful tenure.
During the meeting, they held a detailed discussion on several pressing issues concerning the Ladakhi community residing in the national capital.
Among the matters raised were the urgent need to resume and complete the pending construction of a Foot Over Bridge at Buddha Vihar, Delhi, and the issue of persistent illegal encroachments around the Buddha Vihara access point, which have been affecting the sanctity and peaceful atmosphere of the area.
Additionally, a request was made for the allocation of land by the Delhi Development Authority for the construction of a hostel to support Ladakhi students pursuing higher education in Delhi, many of whom face serious accommodation challenges, especially girls.
The Chief Minister took note of the concerns raised and assured the delegation of her support in addressing the matter.
Coming back to the Ladakh’s maiden participation in Durand Cup this summer, 1 Ladakh FC will reach a landmark by participating in first-ever Durand Cup scheduled for August 2025.
In the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament, the eyes of the nation will turn to the Himalayas for the first time. This marks a historic moment: Ladakh’s flag flying alongside India’s storied teams.
“We are proud that 1 Ladakh FC is the first club from the Ladakh region to play in the Durand Cup. Our group-stage opener – scheduled for August 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM in Jamshedpur,” Tsering Angmo said.
This milestone is more than sport. It’s validation that Ladakh’s voice matters. Playing on the Durand Cup’s venerable pitches (flagged in front of the President!) gives us a megaphone for our mission. Each chant from the stands and goal we score will remind fans nationwide of the Himalayas’ urgency. The Durand Cup stage legitimizes our ambitions, competitive and ethical. It shows the world that Ladakh is no longer on the sidelines.
For 1 Ladakh FC, the Durand Cup is a launching pad. It proves our team can compete at the highest levels, and it shines a spotlight on our sustainability message. This debut means Ladakh’s communities – and climate concerns – join the national football conversation. It’s the culmination of a dream: forging a modern sports identity in a region known for its timeless mountains, and using that platform to push for real change.
In every match we play, from Leh’s windswept pitches to Durand Cup arenas, our goal is clear: Win hearts for the planet. Together, we’ll show that from the earth’s highest playing fields, even a small club can cast a long shadow, she added.
1 Ladakh FC isn’t just another football club, it’s a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Never before has a team from such an extreme environment played professional football on a national stage. As the very first club from Ladakh invited to the Durand Cup, we bring a fresh perspective: our very existence challenges the status quo. No other club competes while pursuing net-zero goals in the Himalayas and using the game to amplify melting-glacier and climate change effect in the regions who have almost zero contribution to its cause.
1 Ladakh FC commits to electrifying football while educating fans: every cheer, every victory is a win for community pride and for the planet.
Competitive (short-term): Make a splash in our debut Durand Cup (Aug 2025) by competing fearlessly and aiming for the knockout stages. Build a strong squad from Ladakhi talent, and establish a youth academy that trains local boys and girls in football and green leadership. Aim to qualify for the I-League eventually and become the first club from Ladakh in India’s top tiers.
