LG Gupta emphasizes infrastructure development and nurturing local talent for national and international competitions
Leh, October 13, 2025 – Ladakh is on track to emerge as India’s premier winter sports destination, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced on Monday, citing the region’s unique geographical terrain and extreme winter conditions as key advantages.
Speaking at a high-level meeting to review upcoming winter sports infrastructure projects in Drass and Zanskar, LG Gupta emphasized that developing adequate facilities and connectivity would attract domestic and international winter sports enthusiasts while boosting livelihood opportunities for local residents during the lean winter months.
“We are committed to positioning Ladakh as a world-class winter sports destination on par with Gulmarg,” the Lieutenant Governor stated, stressing the importance of nurturing local talent for national and international competitions, including the Winter Olympics.
The meeting, attended by LAHDC Kargil Chairman Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, and officials from the Youth Services and Sports Department, focused on establishing a Winter Sports Academy and installing chair lifts and ski drag lifts in the region.
LG Gupta highlighted several major initiatives already underway with Government of India support, including the installation of chilling plants for ice hockey rinks at NDS Stadium in Leh and Kargil. These facilities will enable year-round artificial ice production, providing local players consistent training opportunities regardless of season.
The UT Administration has been actively promoting winter sports through the annual Khelo India Winter Games and ice hockey events held during peak winter months in Ladakh.
Local stakeholders, including LAHDC Kargil representatives and members of the Ski Association and Zanskar Ski School, urged the Lieutenant Governor to expedite the winter sports development projects, emphasizing Ladakh’s potential to become a national winter sports hub while empowering local athletes.
According to consultancy firm Ronmas Pvt India, the project will be implemented in two phases, with chair lifts and ski drag lifts in the first phase, followed by the Winter Sports Academy in the second phase.
The initiative aims to transform Ladakh’s winter tourism landscape, creating economic opportunities for residents while establishing the region as a premier destination for adventure and winter sports tourism.
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