DRASS: The sixth edition of the LG Cup Horse Polo Championship got underway at the International Horse Polo Stadium in Drass on Tuesday, bringing together 22 men’s and women’s teams from across Ladakh for a week-long tournament aimed at promoting the region’s traditional equestrian sport, youth participation and cultural tourism.
The championship was jointly inaugurated by Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Joint Director, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi; Deputy Commissioner, Drass, Imteeaz Kacho; and Superintendent of Police, Drass, Ishtyaq Kacho. The opening ceremony was attended by senior civil and police officials, elected representatives, department heads, sports enthusiasts and a large gathering of spectators.
The tournament opened with a ceremonial march-past and introduction of participating teams before the inaugural match between Sapi Polo Team and Yulbu Drass, reflecting the traditional spirit of horse polo in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi reaffirmed the Department of Youth Services & Sports’ commitment to promoting indigenous sports and extending continued support to horse polo and other traditional games in Ladakh. He also appreciated the efforts of organisers, participants and stakeholders in ensuring the successful conduct of the championship.
Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho said the tournament plays an important role in preserving Ladakh’s traditional horse polo while contributing to tourism promotion, youth engagement and the conservation of the region’s cultural heritage. He invited residents to witness the matches scheduled from July 21 to 27 and assured full support from the district administration for the successful conduct of the event, expressing hope of organising the championship on a larger scale in the future.
Superintendent of Police Ishtyaq Kacho encouraged young people to actively participate in sports, emphasising the values of discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship, while urging aspiring polo players to continue pursuing the traditional sport.
A total of 18 men’s teams and four women’s teams representing different parts of the Union Territory are participating in the championship, which seeks to provide a competitive platform for emerging riders and strengthen Ladakh’s sporting culture.
On the opening day, Sapi Polo Team defeated Yulbu Drass 5-3, Indus Chushot registered a 14-0 victory over Thongsal, while Kundik PT overcame Polo Panthers Goshan Blue 3-0.
