LEH, SEPT 29: Sonam Chodon of the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, and Furboo Tundup of EJM College, Leh, emerged as the top finishers in the female and male categories respectively at the UT-level Red Run 2026, organised in Leh to promote HIV awareness, healthy lifestyles, physical fitness and prevention of substance abuse among youth.
The event was organised by the Dean Students Welfare, University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh AIDS Control Society and the Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of J&K, as part of the wider Red Ribbon movement aimed at spreading awareness and promoting solidarity with people living with HIV.
Around 200 participants representing colleges, universities, Sowa-Rigpa institutions, police and other educational institutions took part in the event. Participants included representatives from GDC Kargil, Drass, Sankoo and Khaltsi, EJM College Leh, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), University of Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil campuses, besides Ladakh Police and Traffic personnel.
The race commenced from Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and concluded at the Administrative Block of the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus.
It was flagged off by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, with participants completing the route amid an atmosphere of enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
In the female category, Sonam Chodon secured first position, followed by Kulsuma Banoo of Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh, who finished second. Umbul Baneen of GDC Kargil secured third position.
In the male category, Furboo Tundup claimed first position, while Asgar Ali of GDC Kargil finished second and Dorjay Gyalson of CIBS Leh secured third position.
Certificates, trophies and cash prizes were presented to the position holders during the concluding ceremony.
The sporting event was accompanied by a detailed awareness programme focused on HIV prevention, testing, counselling, treatment, substance abuse prevention and the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination.
Stanzin Dolma, Counsellor, ICTC, SNM Hospital Leh, sensitised participants about HIV, sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections and Hepatitis-B and C.
She explained the modes of transmission, symptoms and preventive measures and stressed the importance of timely screening rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
She also highlighted the risks associated with needle sharing among injecting drug users and the importance of Hepatitis-B vaccination.
Participants were informed about counselling, voluntary testing and referral services available through ICTCs, along with the National AIDS Helpline 1097.
The programme also featured an interaction with Nawang Tsering, winner of the 122-km Ladakh Silk Route Ultra Marathon and Ladakh Marathon 2026. Sharing his journey of overcoming financial and physical challenges, he encouraged young people to balance education with sports, maintain discipline and stay away from drugs and other addictions.
Dr. Tsewang Motup, Dean, College Development Council, highlighted the role of educational institutions in youth empowerment through education, sports and disciplined living, while Registrar Priyanka Singar emphasised resilience, teamwork and the responsibility of students to become positive role models among their peers.
Participants also took a collective pledge of “No Drugs, No HIV/AIDS.”
DGP Ladakh Anand Jain, who attended the programme as chief guest, highlighted the connection between substance abuse, HIV prevention, sports and physical fitness.
He urged young people to resist peer pressure and make healthy and productive choices, while stressing compassion, dignity and social inclusion.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Chief Patron of the event, spoke about the relationship between peer pressure, substance abuse and HIV and encouraged students to develop the confidence to say “no” to negative influences.
He also called for continued cooperation among educational institutions, government departments and other stakeholders.
The programme was moderated by Rigzen Yangdol, PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science, while Dr. Stanzin Mantok, Dean Students Welfare, welcomed the gathering and underlined the importance of responsible choices, healthy lifestyles and youth participation in awareness-building initiatives.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ashu Rajput, Nodal Officer, Red Ribbon Club, University of Ladakh, who acknowledged the support of the university administration, AIDS Control Society, Department of Health and Medical Education, speakers, nodal officers, volunteers, staff and participating institutions.
The UT-level Red Run 2026 combined competitive sport with a strong public-awareness message, encouraging young people to make informed choices, maintain healthy lifestyles and contribute towards creating a more aware and stigma-free community.
