Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan, on September 5 said that sports can play a vital role in engaging youth, promoting healthy lifestyles and keeping them away from drugs and other social evils.

Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Ladakh Sports Festival 2026 and Youth Engagement Month at the Astro Turf Ground, Khel Gaon Kurbathang, the MP said the month-long programme aims to encourage young people to take up sports and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talent.

He said sporting events are being organised across all seven districts of Ladakh this year, ensuring that young athletes have access to platforms and opportunities closer to their homes.

The MP said Ladakh has immense sporting talent, but limited exposure and inadequate platforms have remained major challenges. He noted that concerted efforts have been made over the past four to five years to improve sports infrastructure and provide greater opportunities to local youth. He expressed hope that the proposed Sports Policy for Ladakh would further strengthen support and opportunities for young athletes.

The athletics competitions held at Kurbathang witnessed participation from teams representing all seven districts of Ladakh.

In the Boys’ 1500 metres, Punchok Tashi of Leh secured first position with a timing of 4:38.92, followed by Sajad Hussain of Kargil with 5:07.77. Jigmet Samba of Changthang finished third with a timing of 5:32.56.

In the Girls’ 1500 metres, Nusrat Sakina of Kargil secured first position with a timing of 6:35.97. Stanzin Zanskit of Zanskar finished second with 6:47.91, while Sonam Lhodon of Changthang secured third position with 7:12.36.

In the Boys’ 200 metres, Mudassir Ahmad of Leh emerged victorious with a timing of 23.82 seconds. Ishtiyaq Hussain of Kargil secured second position with 25.39 seconds, while Shoaib Akhtar of Leh finished third with 25.82 seconds.

In the Girls’ 200 metres, Sonam Chuzing of Leh secured first position with timing of 30.64 seconds, followed by Insha Fatima of Leh with 31.26 seconds. Rigzin Angmo of Sham finished third with 35.09 seconds.

The MP emphasised that sports not only provide young people with opportunities to excel but also contribute significantly to their physical and mental well-being. He stressed that engaging youth in constructive and meaningful activities can help address the growing challenge of drug abuse in Ladakh.

He expressed confidence that with proper facilities, exposure and encouragement, the talented youth of Ladakh would bring laurels to the Union Territory and the country while making a meaningful contribution to nation-building.