The 2nd BDC Ice Hockey Championship 2023 organized by Panchayat Constituency Bodhkharboo in collaboration with Ice Hockey Club Bodhkharboo concluded today.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan was the chief guest, Executive Councilor Health, Mohsin Ali was the guest of honour, besides SDM Shakar Chiktan, Mohammad Sharif Kakpori, BDC Chairperson Shakar Chiktan, Sayeeda Banoo, PRI members including Sarpanchs, Panchs, Ice Hockey players, larger number of spectators were present during the concluding ceremony.
The CEC congratulated the organizers for organizing the Ice Hockey Championship in Shakar Chiktan Block. He extended special regards to BDC Chairperson, Sayeeda Banoo for playing a pivotal role for the execution of the championship at ground level.
Khan said across Kargil district Ice hockey has gained immense popularity among youth with the result excellent players have emerged in the field.
Hailing the skills of the players, the CEC said there is no dearth of talent in the district to uplift the game at national and international platforms. Keeping in view the talent and enthusiasm of players, he said LAHDC Kargil is committed to develop world-class sports infrastructure.
Khan said two national level Ice hockey rinks are under construction in the district and the work is in full swing. He expected that the construction works will be completed till next year.
The CEC further said Ice Hockey Rinks will also be developed at Block and Zone level adding that the works are going on at various rinks.
While highlighting the importance of sports kits, Khan said LAHDC Kargil has kept a separate budget under the Subsidy Component for the purchase of kits for players.
He said the requisition should come through the respective Councilor for the purchase and suggested players to get in touch with their Councilors and make the requisition.
Khan assured that in this budget session, a separate fund will be allocated for the development of Ice Hockey Rink at Bodhkharboo. In this regard, he directed BDC Chairperson Sayeeda Banoo to chart out the necessary requirements with the concerned department and furnish a detailed report before March 15 for further action.
On the occasion, EC Mohsin Ali also congratulated players for taking part in the championship and making it a successful event.
He advised players to opt for traditional sports like archery, polo and make a career in it. The EC said the players have potential in athletics and could be a good career option.
EC Mohsin said LAHDC Kargil has a special focus on health, education and sports adding that for the development of sports infrastructure in the district, many pragmatic steps have been taken with the help of UT Administration.
BDC Chairperson, Sayeeda Banoo thanked organizers, players for organizing the event despite severe cold and requested the CEC to organize such tournaments at Block level as well. She also requested to integrate ice hockey with rural tourism to boost tourism in the area.
Pertinently, 18 teams participated in the championship including both in senior and junior category. In senior category, Shakar team defeated Yokma Kharboo by 4-3 goals. In junior category Chiktan defeated Shakar team by 4-0 goals.
The championship ended with a colourful cultural program and prize distribution among the participants, runner-ups and winners.
