The 5th LG Polo Cup concluded at the Goshan Horse Polo Stadium in Drass on August 28, with the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre clinching the title by defeating D Meadows Drass 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. A total of 17 teams, including 12 men’s and 5 women’s teams from across Ladakh, participated in the tournament, reflecting the region’s growing enthusiasm for polo.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, reaffirmed the UT administration’s vision of positioning Ladakh as a hub of cultural heritage, sporting excellence, and youth-driven growth. He said Ladakh will prioritise the revival of traditional games like horse polo, expand winter sports, and build an ecosystem that blends culture, tourism, and modern infrastructure—creating new opportunities for youth while preserving Ladakh’s distinct identity for generations to come.

Gupta said polo, introduced in Ladakh in the 17th century, is not only a royal sport but also a symbol of the region’s rich cultural legacy. He announced that the administration would approach the Centre to recognise horse polo as Ladakh’s traditional game and extend dedicated support for its promotion at national and international levels.

Alongside polo, he said Ladakh would also focus on indigenous sports and winter games, with special emphasis on ice hockey and the Khelo India Winter Games, to diversify opportunities for youth and position the UT as a premier sports tourism destination. *“Our vision is to create world-class infrastructure while preserving Ladakh’s cultural roots. This will not only boost tourism but also generate employment and empower youth,”* the Lt Governor said.

Paying homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War, Gupta saluted the bravery of the 542 soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation and urged youth to emulate their courage, discipline, and dedication in every field, including sports.

He praised veterans and local players for preserving Ladakh’s centuries-old polo tradition and highlighted the sport’s potential as a tourism attraction. Emphasising women’s participation, he said the presence of a large number of female polo players reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women empowerment. He further assured adequate funds for sports promotion, proper coaching facilities, and the introduction of horse polo in schools to engage the younger generation.

Presenting the trophy, the Lt Governor congratulated the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre for their victory and lauded the discipline and spirit of all teams, especially the girls. He said beyond winning or losing, the larger goal is to revive polo and nurture a culture of teamwork, resilience, and pride in the Union Territory.

On the occasion, Chairman and CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, urged the Lt Governor to provide adequate funds for polo and expressed hope that Drass would emerge as a winter sports hub after the completion of the Zoji La Tunnel. He called for tapping the region’s potential as a top winter sports destination.

Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan, stressed the need for financial and logistical support for promising players and urged the administration to expedite the implementation of the Sports Policy.

Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Councillors Abdul Wahid and Abdul Samad also addressed the gathering. The event was attended by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Feroz Ahmed; Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi; Director, Rural Development Department; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; and SSP Kargil, Shree Ram R.