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LEH: Ladakh is on course to become India’s leading winter sports destination, leveraging its unique geographical terrain and extreme winter conditions. The region’s potential lies in creating world-class infrastructure and improving connectivity to attract domestic and international winter sports enthusiasts — a move expected to significantly boost adventure tourism and local livelihoods.
This was stated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, while chairing a meeting on the upcoming development projects for winter sports in Drass and Zanskar.
The meeting was attended by Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Punchok Tashi; Councillors from Drass and Zanskar; Administrative Secretary, YSS, Bhanu Prabha; Joint Director, YSS, Tahir Hussain; government officials; and members from the Ski Association and Zanskar Ski School.
Highlighting Ladakh’s immense potential, the Lt Governor said that the Union Territory Administration is committed to developing Ladakh on the lines of Gulmarg as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. He noted that the establishment of a dedicated Winter Sports Academy and installation of Chair Lift/Ski Drag Lift facilities would not only attract tourists but also create sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.
The LG reiterated that the administration, with support from the Government of India, has undertaken several key initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure. These include the installation of chilling plants at the NDS Stadium in Leh and in Kargil to facilitate year-round artificial ice rinks — a major step towards nurturing local talent for national and international competitions, including the Winter Olympics.
He added that Khelo India Winter Games and other major winter events, especially ice hockey tournaments, will continue to be organised annually in Ladakh to promote the region as a vibrant winter sports hub.
Stakeholders, including representatives from LAHDC Kargil and members of the Ski Association, appreciated the administration’s proactive approach and urged for early execution of winter sports projects to unlock Ladakh’s full potential as India’s winter sports capital.
Earlier, officials from Ronmas Pvt. India, the consultancy firm, presented details of the proposed projects — with the Chair Lift/Ski Drag Lift to be completed in the first phase, followed by the Winter Sports Academy in the second.
