Kargil, Sept 6: The UT-level Athletic Meet organised by the Youth Services & Sports (YSS) Department, Kargil, under the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, concluded on Sunday with the 10,000-metre race, bringing to a close the athletics segment of the month-long Youth Engagement Programme held to commemorate National Sports Day.
The championship witnessed spirited participation from athletes representing all seven districts of Ladakh, offering young sportspersons a platform to showcase their endurance, speed and competitive spirit.
The concluding-cum-prize distribution ceremony was held at the TFC Ground, Kargil, with Advocate Khadim Hussain, Councillor, Baroo-Minjee Constituency, as the Chief Guest, while District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Kargil, Shri Abid Ali, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the participants, Advocate Khadim Hussain lauded the YSS Department for creating opportunities that encourage youth participation in sports. He described National Sports Day and the Youth Engagement Programme as important initiatives to inspire young people to pursue sporting excellence and build a brighter future.
Highlighting the role of sports in nation-building, he said regular participation in sports promotes physical and mental well-being while steering youth away from drug abuse and other social evils. He urged the athletes to remain disciplined, dedicated and focused on achieving their sporting aspirations.
The Chief Guest also appreciated the organising team led by the District Youth Services & Sports Officer for successfully hosting the event and ensuring participation from all seven districts of the Union Territory.
In the overall standings, Kargil District emerged as the Overall Champion in the Men’s category, while Leh District secured the Overall Championship in the Women’s category.
During the prize distribution ceremony, medals, certificates and cash prizes were presented to the top three finishers in the 200-metre, 1,500-metre and 10,000-metre races.
Officials said the successful conclusion of the athletics meet marks another significant step towards strengthening the sporting culture in Ladakh, while promoting unity, healthy competition and constructive youth engagement across the Union Territory.
