Ladakh: 5th Edition of the LG Cup Horse Polo Tournament began today at the International Polo Ground, Goshan Drass, with an impressive inaugural ceremony. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhoon, in the presence of the Joint Director, Department of Youth and Sports, Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Councilors of Upper and Lower Drass, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass, and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Director of Youth and Sports, Ladakh, said that for the first time, the tournament is being live telecast on AIR News Kargil YouTube Channel, enabling polo lovers across the globe to enjoy the event. He added that this year’s edition has witnessed the highest-ever participation with 17 teams, including 5 women’s teams, which marks a milestone for the traditional sport. He also highlighted that sports infrastructure is steadily coming up in Drass.
CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhoon said that Drass has made a remarkable impact in horse polo at the national level. He congratulated the people for the successful 5th edition of the LG Polo Cup, noting that the event is improving year by year. He also thanked former LG Ladakh Brig. Dr. B.D. Mishra for sending a women’s team from Kargil to Delhi for training, the result of which is evident in their participation this year.
Dr Jaffar further informed that he has taken up with the Union Sports Minister the proposal of developing Drass as a Winter Sports Destination as an alternative to Gulmarg, emphasizing that there are vast avenues for sports development in the region. He also announced that the present LG Ladakh, Shri Kavender Gupta, will visit Drass to witness the grand finale of the tournament.
