Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, July 22: Union Minister of State (independent charge) Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju revealed about Government of India’s plan to launch Fit India campaign to encourage sports in all age groups and create awareness among them on the importance of sports in everybody’s life.
Rijiju said this while addressing a large gathering at Leh Polo ground on the occasion of concluding ceremony of second edition of Ladakh School Olympics initiated by District Administration of LAHDC Leh under the Khelo India programme.
He appreciated this initiative taken by DC Leh Avny Lavasa and support extended by Hill Council.
He told about India’s men team having qualified already for next Olympics while women team is on their way to qualify.
He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to take sports to every nook and corner of the country with hopes to realize great achievements including crossing the double-digit mark in winning gold medals in Paris Olympics.
The Minister promised to give recognition to Ice Hockey as per the local demand raised by Hill Council, and for which Government will try and bring amendment in the Federation rules as this winter sports does not qualify as of now.
He said, once it gets recognition, Leh will become the Ice Hockey capital of India and most of the players will emerge from here only with availability of natural ice in abundance here.
He said that in archery, which is also traditional game of Ladakh, Government will provide every possible support including equipment to Leh and surrounding areas where this game is played with great enthusiasm.
He also committed to provide artificial football ground and funds to organize the next edition of LSO in Leh.
CEC, LAHDC, Leh Gyal P. Wangyal speaking on the occasion urged the Minister to recognize Ice Hockey on lines of other national games to benefit the Ladakhi children who represent India at international level in Ice Hockey.
DC, Leh in her speech apprised the Minister about the second edition of LSO in which around 2900 school children participated across the Leh district as compared to 1800 last year.
The final match of Girls and Boys boxing above 46 kg weight category was played on the occasion and a scintillating cultural programme was presented by various school students.
Later, Rijiju honoured Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh in Boys category and Delhi Public School in Girls category with LSO, 2019 trophies.
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