- Says Ladakh showcases capacity to host major National Sporting Events
Leh, January 19: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, conducted a comprehensive inspection of all three venues designated to host the 6th Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26, to assess ongoing preparations.
At the main venue, NDS Ice Hockey Stadium—which will host ice hockey matches and the grand opening ceremony—Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Shri Moses Kunzang, briefed the Lt Governor on extensive preparations. He informed that approximately 1000 participants from over 21 states, including players and technical staff, are expected. He also informed that comprehensive stay facilities with heating arrangements have been provided, alongside a health advisory addressing high-altitude and cold conditions in Ladakh.
The Sports Secretary briefed the Lt Governor about key upgrades including a dedicated vehicle for automated ice rink cleaning and smoothing, which was previously done manually; testing of the chilling plant-produced ice sheet for seamless matches, and two dedicated rooms equipped with seating and heating for guests alongside the installation of digital scoreboard.
Then, the Lt Governor visited Guphuks Pond, the speed skating venue, where Administrative Secretary Shri Moses Kunzang and Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Shri Tahir Hussain, detailed efforts made by them to ensure pond freezing and surface smoothing to ensure seamless ice skating event. They informed that natural freezing delays this year necessitated intensive interventions for uninterrupted events.
At Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC), the Lt Governor and Administrative Secretary received a warm welcome from Commandant, LSRC, Col Kamal Pandey. Ice hockey matches will also be hosted at this venue.
Commending the meticulous arrangements, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor asserted that the Khelo India Winter Games represent a flagship national initiative aimed at promoting winter sports, nurturing young talent, and strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem in challenging terrains like Ladakh. He said the Games provide a vital platform for athletes from across the country to showcase their skills, gain competitive exposure, and foster the spirit of sportsmanship and national integration. He noted that hosting such a prestigious event reflects the growing capacity of Ladakh to successfully organise major national sporting events.
The Lt Governor further stressed that the successful conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games would significantly strengthen Ladakh’s image as an emerging hub of winter sports and adventure tourism. He directed the administration to ensure seamless coordination, effective branding, and flawless execution at every level, reiterating that there should be zero inconvenience to participants. He underlined that every detail must reflect Ladakh’s organisational excellence, efficiency, and warm hospitality, leaving a lasting and positive impression on all visitors.