Chhewang Dorje
In the picturesque region of Zanskar, where winter sports were once a distant dream, the Zanskar Winter Sport’s Foundation emerged as a beacon of change and resilience. Established in 2018, the Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation stands as a pioneering force in the promotion of winter sports in the region of Zanskar. Recognizing the intrinsic importance of winter sports in fostering community spirit, physical health, and skill development, this NGO embarked on a mission to introduce and cultivate winter sports activities in the region.
The Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation was born out of a collective desire to harness the potential of the harsh winter landscape of Zanskar. In 2015, a group of passionate individuals, led by Dr. Zangpo (Rejieng), Late Sonam Dawa, Passang Lhawang, Tsering Sandup, Tenzin Thuktop, Lobsang Norbu, Stanzin Ingsal, Stanzin Tsultim, Phachok and others envisioned a future where winter sports would not only thrive but also serve as a means of empowerment for the local youth. With this vision in mind, they laid the foundation for what would become a pioneering force in the region. With individual donations, they worked tirelessly day and night to facilitate events and introduce the joys of winter sports to the community.
Initial Challenges and Determination
The journey began with humble beginnings and numerous challenges. Lack of infrastructure, limited resources, and a general unfamiliarity with winter sports posed significant obstacles. However, fuelled by determination and unwavering commitment, the foundation pressed on, driven by the belief that every obstacle was an opportunity for growth. Despite the absence of established winter sports like ice hockey, ice skating, and figure skating in Zanskar, the foundation persevered, working tirelessly to bring these sports to the forefront.
Building Infrastructure and Training Facilities
Recognizing the need for proper training facilities, the foundation undertook the ambitious task of developing the Muski Chumik Ice Hockey Rink into a state-of-the-art training facility. With support from local authorities and generous donations from individuals and organizations, they transformed the rink into a hub for winter sports training, equipped with facilities for ice hockey, ice skating, and figure skating. One of the foundation’s notable achievements was the establishment of the Muski Chumik Ice Hockey Rink, which became the primary venue for training young athletes in ice hockey, ice skating, and figure skating skills. This rink has since become a hub for various ice hockey events organized in Zanskar.
Empowering Youth and Creating Opportunities
One of the primary goals of the foundation was to empower the local youth through winter sports. Through structured training programs and coaching sessions, they provided young athletes with the skills and confidence to pursue their passion for winter sports. Many of these athletes went on to represent Zanskar at regional and national competitions, showcasing their talent on a larger stage. Since its inception, the Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation has been instrumental in training over 1000 ice hockey enthusiasts from the region. The efforts of the foundation have not only promoted winter sports but have also opened up opportunities for young athletes, with many securing jobs in the army under sports quotas.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
The efforts of the Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation yielded remarkable results over the years. From participating in the First LG Ice Hockey Cup in Leh Ladakh to reaching the semifinals of the CEC Ice Hockey Cup in Kargil, the foundation’s ice hockey team made significant strides in a relatively short period. Since then, the team has shown remarkable progress, culminating in a semifinal appearance in the recent CEC Ice Hockey Cup held in Kargil. This achievement marked the first time a Zanskar team reached the semifinals of a district-level tournament.
Additionally, their initiatives in ice skating and figure skating garnered attention, with talented individuals like madam Natalia lending their expertise to nurture local talent.
Affiliation and Collaboration
As recognition of their efforts grew, the Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation became an affiliated wing of the Ladakh Ice Hockey Association. This affiliation opened doors to greater collaboration and support, allowing the foundation to expand its reach and impact. Collaborative efforts with the association led to the organization of various training events and workshops, bringing in coaches from Leh Ladakh and beyond to mentor and train young athletes in Zanskar. In collaboration with the association, the foundation organizes various training events, inviting coaches from Leh Ladakh and even foreign countries. Notably, Madam Natalia, a foreign ice hockey and figure skating coach, has played a pivotal role in training young skaters from Zanskar in figure skating. The Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation also partnered with Royal Enfield to organize comprehensive training programs for both ice hockey and figure skating. The collaboration focused on offering training sessions covering the basics and advanced techniques of both sports.
Looking Ahead
As the Zanskar Winter Sports Foundation continues to chart new territories and break barriers, its vision remains steadfast. With each passing year, they strive to empower more youth, create more opportunities, and cement Zanskar’s position on the winter sports map. Through dedication, perseverance, and a deep-seated passion for winter sports, they are writing a new chapter in the history of Zanskar, one that promises to inspire generations to come. The Foundation’s commitment to excellence and relentless efforts have not only transformed Zanskar into a hub for winter sports but also paved the way for young talents to shine on both regional and national platforms. The Zanskar Winter Sport’s Foundation stands tall, a testament to the power of passion, community spirit, and the transformative impact of sports in the Himalayas.
(The author is Lecturer Political Science Govt Hr Sec School Padum Zanskar)
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