Mansoor Hosan Beigh
Known as Ladakh’s own Gulmarg, the “meadow of flowers,” Sankoo is one of the most verdant and flourishing valleys in the region.
A subdivision of the Kargil district in the Union Territory of Ladakh, it lies 40 km south of Kargil Town. Nestled in a naturally formed bowl-shaped valley, Sankoo is nourished by the tributary streams of the Suru River and the Nakpochoo River. Beyond its breathtaking summer beauty, the valley has rapidly emerged as one of the best skiing destinations in Kargil, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from across Ladakh.
The snow-clad slopes of Sankoo offer ideal terrain for skiers of all skill levels. Whether a beginner or an expert, anyone can experience the thrill of gliding down its pristine white slopes. Among the young talents rising from this valley is Ashiq Hussain, a 25-year-old snow skater from Sankoo.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s (M.P.Ed.) from the University of Kashmir.
Sharing his thoughts on the expanding adventure sports culture, Ashiq highlighted the need to balance sports and academics.
“We need to bring out the hidden talent of our youth. As a student of physical education, I encourage young people to engage in sports along with their studies. Playing any sport helps develop mental, physical, and emotional abilities while also reducing stress, anxiety, and tension,” he said.
Ashiq’s journey in skiing started in childhood, when he took his first ski course as part of his school’s extracurricular activities. Since then, he has trained tirelessly and helped hundreds of children learn the sport. Speaking about the potential of adventure sports in Sankoo, he noted,
“There is huge potential for skiing and winter sports here. Athletes can compete at state and national levels and even aim for the Olympics. Sankoo has great potential for skiing.”
Last year, Ashiq was among three athletes from Sankoo, Kargil, selected for the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir—an achievement that highlights the emerging talent from this remote Himalayan region.
To further promote winter sports, Ashiq stressed the need for the Ladakh Tourism Department and the Youth and Services Department to organize more winter sports events in Sankoo.
He added,
“Ladakh has great potential for adventure sports like snow skiing, ice skating, curling, and snowboarding. Organizing such activities will provide a platform for local youth and put Sankoo on the winter sports map.”
