Ladakh Scouts win LG Cup Polo Tournament in Drass

Kargil, Aug 28: The Ladakh Scouts Regiment clinched the 5th LG Cup Horse Polo Tournament title in a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout against D Meadows Drass as the event concluded in Drass, with top Ladakh leaders hailing the sport’s cultural heritage.

The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta and Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon.

Their presence at the historic ground was marked by an impassioned address in which the CEC underlined the cultural legacy and pride associated with the traditional sport of horse polo in Ladakh.

A total of 17 teams—12 men’s and 5 women’s—from across Ladakh participated in the prestigious tournament, showcasing both passion and skill on the field.

CEC Dr Jaffer Akhoon on the occasion said that horse polo was not just a game but a living testimony of Ladakh’s heritage and valour, a tradition that binds generations together.

He requested the Lt Governor of Ladakh to take urgent steps in promoting and preserving this legacy by extending sufficient financial support.

The CEC also spoke passionately about the future of winter sports in Ladakh, stressing that the construction of chairlifts must begin soon if the region is to realise its sporting potential. “With the opening of the Zojila Tunnel, Drass is destined to become a hub of winter adventure and sporting excellence. This potential must be tapped with vision and urgency by the UT Administration,” he said.

The tournament was also attended by prominent dignitaries, including Member of Parliament UT Ladakh Hanifa Jaan, Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Secretary of Higher Education and Sports Bhanu Prabha, Deputy Commissioner of Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP of Kargil Shree Ram R, Director of Youth Services and Sports Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, and Director of the Rural Development Department. Their presence added further grandeur to the event.