L.G. Kavinder Gupta Launches Ladakh’s First Sports Policy Post-Article 370, But Key Gaps Remain To Be Addressed

Since the abrogation of Article 370, Ladakh has seen it all. From demanding full statehood recognition to a “climate fast” led by prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Though people of Ladakh got some relief when the Government of India drafted rules, boosting local reservations from 45% to 84% and 1/3rd of women's quota in hill councils. But the sports upliftment in Ladakh was left dormant for a long time. And now, after proposing the Ladakh Sports Policy in early 2025, L.G. Kavinder Gupta has officially launched the initiative in an event at Leh on Saturday.

Addressing the launch event, Gupta stated that it is not merely a government document but a firm commitment to nurture athletic talent and promote sports culture to shape the future of the union territory through sports. This is the first sports policy for Ladakh after it was accorded as a UT in 2019. It is one of the most financially aggressive UT-level sports policies in the country. It consists of Olympic gold incentives touching up to ₹1 crore, 4% job reservation, structured scholarships, and strong para sports parity. The strategy also provides major infrastructural developments in Ladakh.

Key Infrastructural Developments

The administration is keen to improve the sporting culture through strong infrastructural and recreational facilities. This can be achieved by allowing individuals and organizations to use these facilities in a fair and regulated manner. The sports department is mandated to work closely with all the stakeholders to ensure the existing sports infrastructure is maintained properly. The UT is also set to have an international-standard artificial ice hockey rink.

The department has also developed high-quality sports complexes to host year-round competitions. These complexes are also open to sponsors and event organizers. Advertising spaces will be rented out at fixed rates to attract more engagement. These spaces can be used by the sponsors and eventually help the UT to generate additional revenues. But while the policy introduces some key generous initiatives, it leaves certain areas that raise several eyebrows.

Critical Gaps That Need To Be Addressed

Despite hosting the Khelo India Winter Games every year and producing Olympians like Tashi Lundup (2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics), the policy doesn’t mention its aspirations to host international events in the future. Also, it contains critical gaps in its sports infrastructure approach.

Regarding the playing conditions in sports facilities, there is no clear differentiation between natural grass, artificial turf, or hybrid turf. The policy also fails to provide a sport-wise suitable mapping for disciplines like football, hockey, or athletics. This omission is significant because the turf approved for mainland India can be unsafe in sub-zero temperatures and can result in compromised athlete safety and inefficient use of funds.

Though the policy might appear to be effective “on paper”, there are several considerations that the decision-makers should keep in mind before executing the policy on-ground, especially the challenging temperatures and terrain of Ladakh.