Kargil, Nov 9: The inaugural 1st Fateh Cup Football Tournament 2025 began today with high energy and patriotic fervour at the Astro Turf Football Ground, Khel Gaon, Kurbathang, Kargil.
Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, inaugurated the tournament as Chief Guest, while Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports (YSS), UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
Organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Kargil Football Association and supported by the Indian Army, the tournament pays homage to the martyrs of Kargil (1948–1999). Eight leading football clubs from the district are competing in this maiden edition.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon praised the organisers and termed the event a “perfect blend of sportsmanship and patriotism.” He saluted the sacrifices of India’s soldiers and urged youth to draw inspiration from their courage. The CEC also announced institutional backing for sports infrastructure in Kargil and shared plans to create a dedicated fund head for sports development.
Appreciating the efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department, Dr. Akhoon lauded Joint Director Zubdavi for his “tireless commitment to nurturing sports talent in Ladakh.”
In his remarks, Mr. Zubdavi said the Fateh Cup aims to honour the memory of Kargil’s martyrs and unite youth through football. He assured that future editions of the tournament would be expanded to include more teams and wider participation.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of sports officials, players, and enthusiasts including Issa Khan, Anayat Ali, Hani Hanifa, and others.
Blending passion for the game with reverence for the nation’s heroes, the Fateh Cup marks a new chapter in Kargil’s sporting journey — celebrating unity, courage, and youthful energy on the field.
