The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) triumphed in the 3rd CEC Polo Cup, securing victory against the Indus team in the final match held at Shagaran Polo Ground, Chushot, Leh, on July 5. LSRC emerged victorious with a score of three goals, lifting the coveted cup.

The tournament saw intense competition, with the semi-finals featuring matches between Indus and Kundik, where Indus scored 4 goals to Kundik's 1, and between LSRC and the Animal Husbandry Team A, where LSRC dominated with 5 goals.

The Ladakh Polo Festival is celebrated annually with immense enthusiasm and dedication from organizers, players, cultural performers, and audiences. The game of polo in Ladakh is believed to have begun during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal, whose second wife was a Balti Princess, bringing the sport from Gilgit and Baltistan to the region.

Despite its historical significance, polo is not as frequently played today as it was in the past. However, efforts are made by the administration to conduct tournaments and occasional exhibition matches to preserve the traditional game.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to LG Ladakh, expressed his excitement over the final match, praising LSRC for their victory and commending the sportsmanship of the Indus team. "Polo is known as the sport of kings," he said, "but it is amazing to watch the locals play the game in Ladakh."

He further noted the dedication required to play polo, highlighting the significant effort and resources needed to feed and train horses for the game. Dr. Kotwal emphasized that the administration would ensure adequate facilities to promote and expand the game's significance in Ladakh.

The festival also featured stalls selling traditional food such as Chutagi, Skyu, Thukpa, Pava, and Khambir, along with cultural dance performances by local artists. A women's exhibition match was also showcased on the same day before the men's final match.

The event was attended by Advisor to LG Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Executive Councillor Agriculture LAHDC Moses Kunzang, Joint Director Youth Services and Sports, distinguished guests, villagers of Chushot, and other spectators who gathered to witness the thrilling final polo match.