Archery trials spark renewed focus on grassroots sports
KARGIL: Deputy Commissioner, CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar on Thursday said that the administration is working on developing Ladakh into a centre of excellence in multiple sports and stressed the need to hold archery events at district and subdivision levels so that grassroots talent can be identified and groomed.
Speaking at NTPC Senior National Archery Selection Trial 2025 at the Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium, Biamathang, DC Rakesh Kumar said that the district-level planning for future archery tournaments is underway and expressed confidence that Ladakhi archers will soon achieve national success.
He congratulated the organizers for successfully conducting the trials despite financial and logistical hurdles.
The Archery Association of UT Ladakh successfully conducted the NTPC Senior National Archery Selection Trial 2025, providing a vital platform for archers of Ladakh to compete for selection to the upcoming National Senior Archery Championship in Telangana.
The event marked a significant step in promoting competitive archery across the Union Territory.
The programme was attended by Executive Councillor and Acting CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohd Feroz as the Chief Guest, while Deputy Commissioner / CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
Joint Director Youth Services & Sports UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zabdavi (JKAS), participated as the Special Guest. Senior officials including Kacho Liyaqat, CMO Ladakh, representatives from the District Administration, and members of the Archery Association of Ladakh were also present.
The event began with a traditional welcome. D. Alex delivered the welcome address, briefly recalling the history of archery development in Ladakh and mentioning the initiatives taken since 1986, when special coaching programmes were introduced in Delhi.
He explained how these programmes earlier provided opportunities for Ladakhi archers to compete at higher levels and expressed hope that the present selection trials would revive that momentum. He also highlighted that after years of struggle, the Ladakh Archery Association finally achieved affiliation three years ago, paving the way for structured selection trials and UT-level representation.
In his detailed remarks, Acting CEC Kacho Mohd Feroz emphasized that Ladakh’s strength lies in its traditional and modern sports, particularly ice hockey, horse polo, and archery, which are deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture. He said that the Council is committed to strengthening these sports through better policy implementation, improved infrastructure, and coordinated support. He assured the archery community that long-pending issues including challenges related to land allotment for archery facilities would be resolved soon. He appreciated the Archery Association of Ladakh for organizing the event despite constraints and reaffirmed that LAHDC Kargil will continue extending full support in the coming days to ensure Ladakhi athletes excel at the national and international level.
Joint Director, Tahir Hussain Zabdavi highlighted the historical importance of archery, horse riding, polo, and swimming in Ladakh’s cultural heritage. He pointed out that 37 players are participating in this year’s trial and reiterated the department’s commitment to providing continuous training and facilities. He added that land identification for sports infrastructure in both districts is being taken up and assured full cooperation from the Youth Services & Sports Department. He also announced that a UT-level archery competition will be organized before March.
Towards the conclusion, Kacho Shamim facilitated the dignitaries with mementos. In his vote of thanks, he emphasized the message “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” highlighting the role of sports in creating a healthy aallnd disciplined youth community.
