In a landmark development for sports in the Changthang region of Eastern Ladakh, Royal Enfield, Ayesha Group Foundation and LAHDC, Leh  have built the world’s highest Football (Futsal) Astro Turf in Chumathang. This initiative is sparking a surge in football enthusiasm among the region’s youth, particularly in Chumathang and surrounding villages.

Historically, Changthang has been home to a nomadic lifestyle, with harsh winters and extreme climatic conditions. However, modern sports infrastructure has now reached this remote area, offering young football enthusiasts a chance to explore their talents on a professional-grade surface for the first time.

Students from PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Chumathang have already embraced the facility. They shared their excitement, noting that playing on the smooth turf has significantly reduced injuries compared to the rough outdoor grounds they previously used. The turf has rekindled their passion for football, with many setting their sights on upcoming tournaments and dreaming of lifting trophies for Changthang.

The school now fields six football teams: Hot-Spring, Jabro-Rangers, Kopong-Kings, Rebo-Risers, Lena-Power, and Dark Sky.

Thinles Nurboo, Councillor of Kungyam, emphasised the influential role of His Eminence Khamtak Rinpoche, whose passion for football inspired youth, students, and villagers to embrace the sport. This vision culminated in the creation of a football ground, transforming the local sports landscape.

The journey began in 2019 when the Student Association for Village Education (SAVE) launched the Changthang Football Initiative. By 2022, Royal Enfield and the Ayesha Group Foundation had sponsored tournaments and training sessions. Witnessing the initiative's positive impact, the foundation extended support for a larger-scale project.
As a result, a FIFA-approved turf, valued at ₹22 lakh, was procured through CSR funding. To complement this, LAHDC Leh contributed ₹50 lakh for the necessary civil works.

Today, approximately 28 schools in Nyoma Block benefit from structured football training programs funded by the Ayesha Group Foundation, fostering a new era of sports development and opportunities in the region.

A village elder observed that, before this initiative, students and young people had little to no access to proper football shoes and jerseys. The collaborative efforts have garnered immense support from the community, significantly benefiting the youth of Chumathang and nearby villages.

The turf has done more than ignite a love for football; it has introduced students to the joy of donning proper football gear and playing under professional conditions. Villagers expressed their gratitude for the facility, noting its role in steering children toward outdoor activities and away from excessive screen time.

The Chumathang Football Astro Turf is not just a game-changer for football enthusiasts; it is also fostering dreams, resilience, and a renewed sense of community in one of the remote parts of the world.