The sports contingent from the Union Territory of Ladakh was flagged off from Ladakh Bhawan, New Delhi, on November 10, for participation in the 28th All India Forest Sports Meet (AIFSM) 2025, scheduled to be held from November 12 to 16 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The All India Forest Sports Meet, first organized in 1993 at Hyderabad, is a prestigious event that brings together forest department personnel from across the country to compete in a wide range of sporting disciplines, including athletics, archery, rifle shooting, cycling, powerlifting, weightlifting, indoor games, and field sports.

The Ladakh contingent, comprising 24 forest and wildlife frontline personnel from Leh and Kargil districts, will compete in several events, including Badminton (Singles and Doubles), Table Tennis (Singles and Doubles), Chess (Classic), Rifle Shooting, Archery, Football and 100-meter races (including veteran category).

The flag-off ceremony was presided over by Rajesh S., IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, in the presence of the Deputy Resident Commissioner, Ladakh Bhawan, and senior officials from the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, UT Ladakh.

Rajesh S expressed pride in the team, stating, “We are proud to send our team to the All India Forest Sports Meet 2025 in Uttarakhand. We wish our athletes the very best as they represent Ladakh with dedication and sportsmanship.”

At the ceremony, Deskyong Namgail, Range Officer, Khaltse Range (Leh District), served as the flag-bearer, while the oath of sportsmanship and teamwork was administered by Vishal V. Surve, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Headquarters) and Nodal Officer (AIFSM).

The contingent will arrive in Dehradun ahead of the competition to acclimatize and complete registration formalities. Officers from the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Ladakh, will accompany the team to provide logistical and moral support throughout the event.

Beyond competition, the team’s participation aims to promote physical fitness, camaraderie, and inter-departmental exchange, reflecting the UT Administration’s commitment to employee wellness and the national objectives of AIFSM—to encourage healthy lifestyles, team spirit, and collaboration among forest department personnel nationwide.

The Ladakh contingent will return after the meet concludes on November 16.