Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday formally launched the Ladakh Sports Policy, marking a major step towards strengthening and institutionalising the sports ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The launch ceremony was held in the presence of Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the policy as a firm commitment to shaping the future of Ladakh’s youth rather than merely the release of a government document. He said sports play a vital role in building discipline, character, teamwork and resilience, while also serving as a powerful medium for social cohesion and economic opportunity in contemporary times.
Highlighting Ladakh’s unique geographical and climatic conditions, Shri Kavinder Gupta said the region’s youth possess natural resilience, courage and determination—qualities that resonate strongly with the spirit of sports. He noted with satisfaction that since Ladakh became a Union Territory, sports have received focused attention from the administration, resulting in athletes from the region achieving commendable success at national and international platforms.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Ladakh Sports Policy provides a clear and structured roadmap for nurturing sports culture from the grassroots to elite-level competition. Based on the guiding principle of “Scout, Facilitate and Recognize,” the policy emphasizes early identification of talent, development of quality sports infrastructure and coaching facilities, and recognition of sporting excellence.
He further underscored the inclusive nature of the policy, which ensures equal opportunities for all children irrespective of region, background or ability, with special focus on women athletes and para-sportspersons. Emphasising the broader social role of sports, he said sports are not confined to winning medals alone but are instrumental in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, social harmony and a drug-free society.
A key component of the policy is the establishment of the Ladakh Sports Council, which will provide a robust institutional framework for coordinated sports development. The Council will work in close collaboration with sports associations on infrastructure creation, coaching support, financial assistance and long-term strategic planning.
To encourage youth to pursue sports as a viable career option, the Lieutenant Governor said the policy includes provisions such as four per cent reservation in government jobs for outstanding sportspersons, scholarships, awards, cash incentives and promotional benefits.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to Ladakh hosting the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games later this month, terming it a moment of pride for the Union Territory. He said the event would provide an excellent platform to showcase Ladakh’s sports infrastructure, organisational capacity and distinctive hospitality. Highlighting the scope of sports tourism, he noted that Ladakh’s natural terrain offers immense potential for winter sports, mountaineering, ice sports and traditional games, positioning the region prominently on the global sports map.
Concluding his address, Kavinder Gupta assured full support from the administration for the effective implementation of the Ladakh Sports Policy and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively to nurture sporting talent and elevate Ladakh’s sports ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the policy would produce athletes who not only win medals but also serve as ambassadors of Ladakh’s culture and identity.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, in his remarks, welcomed the launch of the policy and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting athletes at every level. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government departments, sports associations and local communities to strengthen infrastructure, ensure quality coaching and create opportunities for young sportspersons. He expressed optimism that the policy would boost performance in national and international competitions while promoting sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social development.
Earlier, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Moses Kunzang, informed that the Ladakh Sports Policy, formulated after extensive deliberations, aims to systematically nurture a comprehensive sports culture and physical literacy from the school level onwards. He said the policy aligns with the administration’s vision of placing Ladakh firmly on the national and global sports map, including through competitive excellence of para-athletes.
Under Secretary, Youth Services and Sports,Sumera Shafi, presented the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by representatives of various sports associations, outstanding sportspersons from Ladakh and officials of the Department of Youth Services and Sports.(KINS)
