LEH, Sep 19: Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Saturday attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 at the NDS Indoor Stadium, Leh. The three-day national championship, being held from September 19 to 21, has brought together more than 800 athletes from 30+ States and Union Territories, besides teams from the CISF, SSB and ITBP.
Pencak Silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art and combat sport that promotes discipline, physical fitness, confidence, self-defence and sportsmanship.
The Lieutenant Governor said the participation of athletes from different parts of the country would provide an important platform not only for competitive sport but also for learning, friendship, cultural exchange and national integration.
The Lieutenant Governor said that promoting sports and creating greater opportunities for young athletes remains a key priority of the Administration. He highlighted the New Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, announced earlier this year, which seeks to expand opportunities and support for sportspersons and further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the Union Territory.
He also highlighted the provision of 4% reservation in Government jobs for outstanding sportspersons, aimed at recognising sporting achievements and creating greater career opportunities for athletes who bring laurels to Ladakh. He said the Administration is also undertaking various initiatives for the welfare and development of sportspersons, including strengthening training and coaching facilities, sports infrastructure, exposure opportunities, competitions and other support mechanisms.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the Khelo India and Fit India initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which have provided platforms for young people to showcase their sporting talent, identify emerging talent and pursue sporting careers at the national and international levels. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s vision of developing Ladakh as a sporting powerhouse, noting that several national-level sporting events, including the Khelo India Winter Games, are being organised in Ladakh. He said more such national and international events are in the pipeline in coming days.
Emphasising the wider economic benefits of hosting national-level sporting events, the Lieutenant Governor said such events also contribute to the growth of sports tourism in Ladakh. Referring to the recent Ladakh Marathon, he said major sporting events generate economic opportunities for local hotels, homestays, family-run guesthouses, taxi operators, restaurants, guides, traditional artisans and small businesses. He added that the athletes and family members accompanying them for the Pencak Silat Federation Cup would also contribute to the local tourism economy.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Administration’s vision for sports extends beyond medals and competitions, with a focus on using sports as a means to nurture discipline, leadership, teamwork, confidence and resilience among young people. He expressed the hope that an increasing number of athletes from Ladakh would go on to represent India at national and international championships and bring laurels to the country.
Urging the participating athletes to compete with dedication and true sporting spirit, the Lieutenant Governor said that championships such as the Federation Cup provide athletes an opportunity to test themselves against the best, gain valuable experience and learn from fellow competitors. “Play, learn, move forward and pursue your dreams. I am confident that our athletes will continue to excel and bring greater recognition to Ladakh and India,” said L-G Saxena.