Leh: Chief Secretary, B.V.R Subrahmanyam Thursday declared open IHAI National Ice Hockey Championship (Men & Women) here at Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink.
Principal Secretary, Planning & Development, Rohit Kansal, DC Leh Avny Lavasa and SSP Leh Sargun Shukla, besides a large number of sports lovers were present on the occasion.
This being the 8th Men IHAI National championship, the event will witness participation of 10 teams representing states of J&K, Harayana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Chandigarh and teams of Army Sports Control Board and All India Police Sports Control Board (ITBP).
For women, it is the 6th IHAI National Championship in which 4 states are participating including J&K, Delhi, Maharashtra and Chandigarh. The inaugural match was played between Uttarakhand and Army.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Subrahmanyam expressed happiness to see the sport of Ice Hockey gaining momentum in Leh. He assured that with better facilities the sport will improve further and hoped that the players from Leh will someday join the world Ice Hockey teams. He ensured to work with the district administration in developing facilities for this sport to attract young children of the area. He conveyed his best wishes to all the players and appreciated the organizers for their effort in presenting a high spirited game of Ice Hockey.
Referring to powers devolved to Hill Council giving it a complete hold over local issues, the Chief Secretary hoped that it will support development in better ways in Ladakh. He also mentioned about the Prime Minister’s visit to Leh soon and inauguration of new Leh Airport Terminal, Cluster University, College, Power Grid connection to mention few. He said that with all these developments to happen he sees a bright future for Ladakh economically, developmentally and in sports.
In his address, Mr. Rohit Kansal said that ice hockey is one more glorious reason to visit Leh in winters and the promise of a great future in terms of increase in tourism, booming economy and employment. He mentioned about the fact that for the first time Ladakh is going to get connected with national electricity grid with two way flow of power from Leh to national grid and vice versa. He also spoke about the fruition of the promise of having a large amount of solar energy with the plan of 5000 MW solar installation in Leh on the card.
Mr. Kansal called these as transformative steps ensuring a great promise for economic development with Leh emerging as a model based on renewable energy, power and tourism. He also announced a fund release of Rs.25 lakh by Chief Secretary, to the district administration for promotion of Ice Hockey sport in Leh.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Avny Lavasa said that in winters Ladakh is a world with full of energy, enthusiasm, excitement because of ice hockey activities, coaching camps, tournaments organised by various stakeholders. She said that National Ice Hockey Championship is a prestigious tournament and Ladakh spearheading in the ice hockey movement in the country with young boys and girls representing India in various international events is a proud feeling for all.
She expressed gratitude to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary for being a part of the tournament. She added that their presence has encouraged the local young ice hockey players considering the importance of Ice Hockey in Ladakhi society and its positive contribution towards community development.
Meanwhile, Mementoes were presented to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary by District Administration and Ladakh Winter Sports Club .
N.A Gyapo, Vice President, Ice Hockey Association of India & President Ladakh Winter Sports Club, Harjinder Singh, General Secretary IHAI, District Officers, P.T. Kunzang Advisor LWSC and other members and audience in good numbers were present on the occasion.
