LEH, SEPT 26: The traditional sporting heritage of Ladakh took centre stage as a three-day traditional archery tournament began at Shenam Gongma Ground on Saturday as part of the Ladakh Festival 2026, bringing selected archers from all seven districts into competitive action.
The tournament was inaugurated by Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha, along with Director, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma.
Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Sanjit Rodrigues, and Deputy Director, Tourism & Culture, Mohd Taqi, were also present.
The dignitaries lit the traditional lamp and participated in an introductory archery session.
The tournament marks a significant change from the earlier format, with this year’s competition bringing together 14 selected players—two from each of Ladakh’s seven districts—rather than teams representing local societies.
The opening ceremony was attended by Assistant Director, Tourism Department Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak, DYSSO Leh Tsering Tashi, DYSSO Kargil Abid Ali, President of the Traditional Archery Association Lobzang Thokthok and association members.
National cyclist Lakzess Angmo, tourists from India and abroad, and local residents also witnessed the proceedings.
The matches are currently underway, with the top three winners to be declared on September 27. Trophies and cash prizes will be presented to the winners on September 28.
The tournament seeks to place Ladakh’s traditional archery heritage on a broader competitive platform while providing archers from across the Union Territory an opportunity to compete against one another.
