Himalayan Sports Drass team lifted the Operation Vijay Ice Hockey Tournament 2017 cup on March 8 at Bhimbhat Ice Hockey Rink, Drass.  The tournament was organized by Indian Army in collaboration with Himalayan Organization Drass. 

Himalayan Sports Drass defeated City Club by 1 goal. A total of 6 teams participated.

Commander 56 Mountain Brigade, Brigadier Hitesh Bhalla was the Chief Guest and Political Advisory to CEC LAHDC Kargil, Haji Mohammad Shafi was the Guest of Honour.

Appreciating the players, Brigadier Hitesh Bhalla told that besides traditional sports like Horse Polo and Archery youths of Kargil are now days excelling in winter sports like Ice Hockey, snow ski etc. Such interest has taken the players at international level and Indian Army is part of these developments.

He said, “We have national and international level players from Drass and to groom other youths Indian Army will look for international standard coaching camps in future.”

He also appreciated the effort of the soldiers and volunteers of Himalayan Organization, who cleared the Ice Hockey rink and the road which was covered with more than 8 feet snow. 

He further informed that the Indian Army will be organizing Ski coaching camp for the youths in Drass.

Haji Mohammad Shafi thanked the Indian Army for encouraging the youths of Kargil in such sports.

The first International player from Kargil Iqbal Junior told that he is playing Ice Hockey from the age of 16 and represented India at international level but the government has deprived him of all the benefits he deserves.

He further told that he still encourages youths to play and hope that government would think for the future of the players.

Answering to a question related to SRO/Job Opportunity for Iqbal Junior, Haji Mohammad Shafi told that he will take up the matter with Chief Executive Councillor, Hill Council Kargil as well as with the State Government.

Later the Chief Guest distributed prize money, medals, and trophy amongst the players.