Kargil: As part of the ongoing Seva Parv Campaign, Akashvani Kargil today launched the first episode of its special series dedicated to highlighting development and good governance in Ladakh.
The inaugural episode featured an exclusive interview with Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, conducted by Anayat Ali, Copy Editor. The programme, broadcast at 4:35 PM, was based on the theme “Transforming Governance through Bold Reforms in Sports in Ladakh.”
Mr. Zubdavi underlined the remarkable turnaround in the sports sector since Ladakh became a Union Territory. He noted that the region, which earlier suffered from limited funding and neglect, is now witnessing unprecedented investment, with projects worth over ₹600 crore underway.
Among the major developments, he highlighted the construction of indoor stadiums at district, sub-divisional, and block levels, ensuring grassroots access to modern sports infrastructure. Work is also progressing on two cricket stadiums—at Pashkum and Sharjah Akchamal in Kargil—besides the establishment of the Khelo India State Center of Excellence and recruitment of trained coaches.
He proudly recalled Ladakh’s first Asian Gold Medal in Taekwondo, while also pointing to rising achievements in ice skating, boxing, and combat sports. Ice hockey, he said, has now become a strong team sport, with Ladakh successfully hosting the Khelo India Winter Games.
Promotion of indigenous sports such as Horse Polo and Archery remains a priority, with the LG Cup Polo Tournament in Drass drawing wide participation. Events like the Ladakh Marathon, he added, are boosting sports tourism and enhancing Ladakh’s profile at the national and international level.
Further, the construction of the All-Weather Ice Hockey Stadium in Leh and a proposed facility in Kargil, along with sanctioned ski academies in Zanskar and Drass, will give a major push to winter sports. Existing stadiums in Kargil and Drass are also being upgraded with modern features including Dasher Boards.
Mr. Zubdavi concluded by reaffirming the department’s commitment to strengthening sports associations and nurturing young talent through structured talent hunts in archery, boxing, and athletics.
The programme is now available on the AIR News Kargil YouTube Channel for public viewing, reflecting how bold reforms and visionary governance are transforming the sports landscape of Ladakh.
