Umar Raina
Leh, May 14: At an altitude where even routine physical activity becomes a challenge, Ladakh on Thursday took a giant leap in sports infrastructure with the inauguration of India’s highest Astro Turf Football Ground at 11,500 feet in Leh. The project, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, also includes a newly-built VIP stand and an 8-lane synthetic athletic track at the Open Stadium, turning the venue into one of the most advanced sports facilities in the Himalayan region.Built at a cost of more than ₹30 crore under the Khelo India scheme and Special Development Package, the infrastructure is expected to change the sporting landscape of Ladakh, where harsh winters and limited facilities have long restricted athletes from training professionally.For years, many aspiring footballers and athletes from Leh and Kargil had to travel outside the Union Territory for quality training and exposure. With the inauguration of the high-altitude turf and synthetic track, local athletes believe a major gap has finally been addressed.Officials said the facility has been designed to meet modern sporting standards and will help athletes prepare for national-level competitions while also opening possibilities for hosting tournaments and sports camps in the region.Sports enthusiasts in Leh described the development as a “historic moment” for Ladakh’s youth, saying the project would inspire more youngsters to participate in sports instead of limiting opportunities to academics and government jobs alone.The administration believes the new infrastructure can also strengthen Ladakh’s growing sports tourism sector. Given Leh’s unique terrain and altitude, experts feel the stadium could attract professional teams and endurance athletes for high-altitude training in the coming yearsSpeaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the facilities would provide local youth with opportunities comparable to those available in metropolitan cities and help build a stronger sporting culture in the Union Territory.He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continued support towards Ladakh’s infrastructural and youth development initiatives.The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, athletes, coaches and residents, many of whom termed the project a significant step towards placing Ladakh on India’s sports map.