LEH: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday attended the concluding session of Youth Month 2026 and inaugurated a newly constructed Futsal Ground at Spituk, built at an estimated cost of ₹1.70 crore.
Observed from August 29 to September 29, Youth Month was organised to provide young people across Ladakh greater opportunities in sports and youth-oriented activities while promoting competition, skill development and exposure.
A key feature of the month-long programme was the “7 Districts–7 Sports” initiative, which took competitive sporting activities beyond major towns. Futsal was organised in Leh, athletics in Kargil, sand volleyball in Nubra, table tennis in Zanskar, volleyball in Drass, archery in Sham and cricket in Changthang.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the strong participation during the programme reflected the talent, determination and endurance of Ladakh’s youth. He said Youth Month was intended not merely to hold sporting events but to create an environment where young people could participate, learn, gain experience and pursue excellence.
Referring to the Khelo India and Fit India initiatives, Saxena said the sporting vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given fresh momentum to India’s sports culture. He said the message of “Khelega India, Khilega India” had particular relevance for Ladakh, where young people possess significant sporting potential.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to provide youth with appropriate infrastructure, coaching, guidance and opportunities. He also highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme, which brought male and female participants from all seven districts onto a common platform.
Youth Month also featured major sporting events, including the National Pencak Silat Championship, which drew more than 300 participants representing 22 teams, and the 5th UT Taekwondo Championship.
Saxena said sports contribute beyond medals and competition by fostering discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence and perseverance.
He also highlighted the New Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, which provides a framework for promoting sporting talent and supporting sportspersons. A dedicated Sports Portal is being developed to enable athletes to register their details and facilitate access to financial assistance and other support.
The Lieutenant Governor said the conclusion of Youth Month should mark the beginning of a sustained effort towards youth participation, empowerment and sporting excellence in Ladakh.
“Ladakh’s young people are our greatest strength,” Saxena said, emphasising the need to build a “Fit, Healthy, Skilled, Disciplined and Sporting Ladakh” where every young person gets an opportunity to discover talent, develop skills and pursue excellence.
