The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd), inaugurated the 4th LG Horse Polo Cup-2024, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, at Goshan Stadium in Drass on November 5. During the event, the LG also inaugurated the newly constructed Goshan Polo Stadium, built at an estimated cost of ₹6.84 crore.

In his address, the LG praised the organizers, players, and attendees for their involvement in the LG Horse Polo Cup. He affirmed the UT Administration's commitment to the welfare of the people, youth empowerment, and creating a brighter future for Ladakh. Highlighting the cultural importance of polo, he noted that the sport enhances coordination between rider and horse and fosters essential skills.

The LG announced that the UT Administration had sent 12 young women from Kargil to Delhi for horse riding and polo training with the President’s Bodyguard. He also mentioned plans to invite the President or Vice President of India to attend future polo events in Drass.

Earlier, the LG marked the tournament's opening by performing the throw-in ceremony for the first match between teams Himalayan-A and Himalayan-B.

Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, spoke about polo’s historical and cultural significance, emphasizing the need for improved sports infrastructure in Ladakh to prevent players from needing to travel elsewhere for training. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the LG for granting district status to Drass.

Ladakh’s Member of Parliament, Mohmad Haneefa, also addressed the gathering, thanking the LG for his support of traditional sports across the Union Territory. He emphasized the remarkable talent among Ladakhi youth and stressed the need for adequate infrastructure and training to develop the region’s sports potential, which could also boost tourism.

The event opened with a welcome from Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Deputy Commissioner/CEO of LAHDC Kargil, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports at UT Ladakh. Students and local artists entertained the audience with songs and dance performances.

Dignitaries present included First Lady Neelam Mishra, Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa, Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, ASP Kargil Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman, Director of Youth Services & Sports UT Ladakh Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, and other district officers and officials.