At Khelo India Samvaad: Ladakhi cyclist Leakzes Angmo urges Youth to pursue Sports

LEH: Ladakh cyclist Leakzes Angmo shared her journey through the challenges of competitive sport with young participants at Khelo India Samvaad 2026 in Leh, urging them to approach sporting careers with discipline, perseverance and sustained commitment.

Angmo was among the sportspersons who interacted with around 250 students and young people at EJM Government Degree College, Leh, during the programme organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) Leh in collaboration with the college’s NSS Unit.

During an interactive question-and-answer session, Angmo spoke about the difficulties involved in pursuing a career in cycling and the determination required to remain committed to sport. Her account gave participants a first-hand perspective of the demands faced by athletes seeking to build competitive careers.

The cyclist also acknowledged the support extended by former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and former Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyaltson during her sporting journey.

The interaction formed part of the wider “Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath” programme, which brought youth, public representatives and sporting personalities together to discuss India’s sporting ecosystem and avenues for greater youth participation.

The programme commenced with a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the nationwide Khelo India Samvaad initiative. The address provided participating youth an opportunity to connect with the Prime Minister and reflect on the expansion of India’s sports ecosystem.

The subsequent Yuva Samvaad shifted the focus to the views and aspirations of young participants, who discussed ways to improve sporting infrastructure and opportunities, nurture talent for the 2036 Olympics, empower youth in the pursuit of Viksit Bharat and promote a drug-free youth population.

Participants were also given the option of submitting their suggestions digitally through QR codes installed at the venue, allowing their views to be recorded as part of the wider youth engagement initiative.

The event was attended by Secretary Education, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha, IAS; former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; cyclist Leakzes Angmo; Padma Chorol; and youth icon Abida Afreen.

Also present were University of Ladakh Dean, College Development Council, Dr Tsering Motup; EJM Government Degree College Principal Prof Stanzin Yangdol; NSS Programme Officer Tsering Chorol; MY Bharat Leh Deputy Director Jigmat Spaldon and teaching and non-teaching staff of the college.

The discussions around sporting careers and talent development were complemented by the experiences shared by the participating sportspersons, with the organisers seeking to encourage young people to take sports more seriously and recognise the discipline and sustained effort required to compete at higher levels.

The programme concluded with a presentation on the MY Bharat portal, highlighting opportunities for volunteering, experiential learning and youth-led activities. Participants were encouraged to join the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027 Quiz and make greater use of the MY Bharat platform.

The organisers also called for continued youth participation in sports and fitness activities, linking the initiative with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future.