With the participation of 2,900 students from different schools, the four-day mega sports event 2nd Ladakh School Olympic organised by District Administration and Hill Council, Leh opened up on July 17 at polo ground.

Olympic torch bearers, Stanzin Phuntsog, Speed Skating player, Tashi Dolkar and Chemet Dolker, Ice-Hockey players lighted up the Olympic lamp.  Tashi Ladol, Marathon champion hoisted the Ladakh School Olympic flag and Rigzin Nurbu, Ice-Hockey player administered the oath-taking ceremony.

Nine sports including Volleyball, Cricket, Archery, Boxing, Table Tennis, Badminton, Judo and Track & Field will be played. Also, River rafting competition will be an added attraction of this year’s School Olympic.

Gyal P Wangyal, the chief guest said that the launch of Khelo India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a platform to the youth in the country to excel in sports and Ladakh School Olympics is also motivated by such program.

He applauded the players of Ladakh who represented India at the international level in different sports. 

“Today both boys and girls from Ladakh are excelling in different sports and it’s a proud moment for each one of us”, he added.

He further asked students to participate in different sports and competition. 

Welcoming all in the 2nd Ladakh School Olympic, Avny Lavasa, DC said, “I am very happy to inform you all that this year 2,900 students are participating in the 2nd Ladakh School Olympic, whereas we had 1,800 participants last year".

She said that apart from the sporting event, Ladakh School Olympic aims to provide experience and exposure to the students. The students will get to know each other, share and learn different ideas and culture thus helping in overall development. 

She informed that nine different sports will be played at five different venues.

A friendly Tug of war was played between District Administration and Hill Council Leh in which Hill Council, Leh won. Also, an exhibition match of volleyball was played.

Scintillating cultural programs by the student of Mahabodhi, SOS, TCV and Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School enthralled the audience.