LEH, Aug 13: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated Ladakh’s first international-level artificial ice hockey rink at NDS Stadium in Leh, marking a major boost to winter sports infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Built at a cost of around ₹42 crore, the state-of-the-art facility features a 24×7 chilling system, allowing players to train throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
The facility is expected to address the major challenge faced by ice hockey players in Ladakh, who have traditionally depended on the short natural ice season of just two to three months for training and competitions.
With year-round access to artificial ice, players will now have greater opportunities for continuous training and systematic preparation for national and international competitions.
Saxena described the rink as a landmark investment in Ladakh’s young sportspersons and expressed confidence that it would strengthen the region’s position as a major winter sports destination.
He said the facility would help nurture emerging talent from Leh and other parts of Ladakh while providing athletes with the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest levels.
“This 24×7 chilling facility will ensure that our young players no longer have to wait for winter to practise. They can now train throughout the year,” Saxena said.
He expressed hope that sustained training would enable Ladakh’s players to represent India at international sporting events and contribute to the country’s growing sporting ambitions.
The Lieutenant Governor also said the rink could promote sports tourism and boost the local economy, besides creating new opportunities for athletes and winter sports enthusiasts.
The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening Ladakh’s winter sports ecosystem and expanding its presence on the national and international ice hockey map.
