Kargil, Mar 26: Emphasising the vast scope of winter sports in Kargil, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Wednesday said that sustained investment in infrastructure and youth participation can position the region as a prominent centre for snow skiing. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Ladakh’s first State Open Snow Ski Championship at Yakza Umba in Sankoo.
The three-day championship, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, witnessed the participation of 91 athletes, including both men and women. Competitions were held in disciplines such as snowboard giant slalom, alpine skiing (slalom and giant slalom), and ski mountaineering sprint and vertical races.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Dr. Akhoon stated that sports offer both recreational value and future opportunities for youth. He assured full support from LAHDC Kargil and the UT administration for the development of winter sports infrastructure, while acknowledging the cooperation of the local community in successfully hosting the championship.
A major highlight of the event was the demand for a mobile drag lift at the Yakza Umba slope. Responding to this, the CEC said the proposal would be considered under the District Capex plan, noting that improved infrastructure could enhance training facilities, attract more sporting events, and boost winter tourism in the region.
Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Moses Kunzang, reiterated the administration’s commitment to expanding sports infrastructure and organising more such competitions. He pointed out that Kargil’s natural terrain makes it well-suited for skiing and informed that the proposal for a drag lift would be taken up with higher authorities.
Kunzang also said that a base of the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is expected to be established in Sankoo, which would provide professional training opportunities for local youth and support the growth of winter sports in the region.
Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, announced that snow skiing will be included in the official sports calendar of UT Ladakh from next year. He added that structured training programmes are being planned, while the department has already organised several sporting events this year with an expenditure of around Rs. 3 crore, focusing on identifying talent at the grassroots level.
Councillor Lankerchey, Ghulam Haider, also stressed the need for infrastructure development at Yakza Umba, stating that the slope has the potential to host higher-level competitions if adequately developed.
The championship, held from March 24 to 26, provided a platform for athletes from across Ladakh to compete on home terrain. Officials said the event marks a step towards building a stronger winter sports ecosystem in the region, with the potential to nurture emerging talent and support tourism in Kargil’s high-altitude areas.
