4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament Inaugurated in Ladakh

Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the much-awaited 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament at the newly constructed Polo Stadium at Goshan, Drass. This event, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, marked a significant milestone for the region as it showcased not only the traditional sport of horse polo but also the growing emphasis on youth development and sports infrastructure in Ladakh.

A New Polo Stadium for Drass

The inauguration was a monumental occasion, as the Polo Stadium at Goshan was officially opened to the public. Built at a cost of Rs 6.84 crore, the stadium promises to be a game-changer for the region, offering world-class facilities for polo events and providing a platform for local players to showcase their talents. The Lt Governor expressed his admiration for the organizers, the players, and the audience, emphasizing that this new development would help improve local sports infrastructure and provide young athletes with the resources needed for training and competition.

Cultural and Sporting Significance of Polo

Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra highlighted the cultural importance of horse polo to Ladakh, stating that the sport was not just a form of recreation, but a way to promote coordination, teamwork, and the bond between the player and the horse. He also lauded the youth development programs undertaken by the Ladakh administration, which aim to provide young people with the skills and training they need for both sporting and personal growth.

In a notable initiative, the Lt Governor announced that 12 girls from Kargil were sent to Delhi for specialized horse riding and polo training under the guidance of the President’s Body Guard. This step underscores the administration’s efforts to empower women and promote sports, especially those that have deep cultural roots in the region.

A Historic Tournament Begins

The opening match of the tournament saw a thrilling contest between Himalayan-A and Himalayan-B, with the Lieutenant Governor himself performing the ceremonial throw-in. This game marked the beginning of a week-long competition that is expected to attract a lot of attention, both from local fans and tourists.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, the Chairman/CEC of the LAHDC Kargil, took the opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of polo in the region. He emphasized the need for local sports infrastructure to reduce the dependency of Ladakhi players on training camps outside the region. According to Akhoon, improving local facilities would not only help develop players’ skills but also boost self-sufficiency in sports. He also thanked key figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Lieutenant Governor for awarding district status to Drass, which he believes will further fuel local development, including in the sports sector.

Promoting Sports and Tourism

The Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa, also spoke at the event, expressing his gratitude for the efforts being made to promote traditional sports in Ladakh. He stressed that sports can serve as a powerful tool for tourism development and create new opportunities for economic growth in the region. According to Haneefa, the increasing visibility of Ladakh as a sports hub could attract tourists from around the world, eager to experience the cultural heritage of the region while enjoying sporting events like polo.

A Key Role for Local Dignitaries

The event also saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Neelam Mishra, the First Lady of Ladakh, who joined the Lt Governor at the inauguration. Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, the Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, welcomed the guests and offered a warm reception to attendees. The Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, also delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of various individuals and organizations in making the tournament a success.

Future of Polo and Youth Development in Ladakh

The success of the 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament is a testament to the growing focus on sports and youth empowerment in Ladakh. With the newly constructed Polo Stadium at Goshan, the region has opened new doors for aspiring athletes, offering them the infrastructure and support to excel. The Ladakh administration’s commitment to promoting sports education and skill development for the youth, especially in traditional games like polo, sets the stage for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.

In closing, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his hopes for continued growth in sports in Ladakh and his desire to make future polo events in Drass even more prominent by inviting high-level dignitaries such as the President or Vice President of India. With this strategic vision and the ongoing efforts to promote sports, Ladakh is poised to become a center for both traditional and modern sports in the coming years.

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