Kargil, November 5, 2025: The inaugural Ladakh Union Territory Kho Kho Championship 2025 concluded today at the University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, marking a historic milestone in promoting India’s indigenous sports tradition in one of the country’s highest-altitude regions. Organized by the Ladakh Kho Kho Association under the aegis of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and supported by the University of Ladakh, the two-day event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for traditional Indian games in the Himalayas.
The championship featured 15 teams across Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior categories for both boys and girls, showcasing the increasing grassroots participation in Kho Kho across Ladakh.
District Kargil teams dominated the finals, clinching top positions in multiple categories. In the Senior Boys’ final, Kargil secured gold ahead of Leh, while the Senior Girls’ title also went to Kargil, followed by Leh and the University of Ladakh. In the Junior Boys’ and Junior Girls’ categories, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Kargil emerged champions, reaffirming its reputation as a powerhouse in school-level sports. JNV Kargil also claimed victories in both Sub-Junior Boys’ and Sub-Junior Girls’ divisions, completing an exceptional all-round performance.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Professor (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was warmly received by Syed Mehraj Uddin Shah, General Secretary, Ladakh Kho Kho Association, with a traditional Khatak welcome. Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Mehboob Ali, Incharge, University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus); Dr. Jaffar Ali Khan; Anayat Ali, General Secretary, Ladakh Taekwondo Association; Abdul Hamid, DYSSO Kargil; and Ghulam Mustafa, Incharge, SAI Kargil.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kushwaha congratulated the organizers for hosting Ladakh’s first-ever UT-level Kho Kho Championship and lauded their consistent participation in national tournaments over the past three years. “Ladakh’s youth have immense potential in sports like Kho Kho. With the right infrastructure and exposure, they can become strong national contenders,” he said, reaffirming the University’s commitment to nurturing indigenous sports talent.
Syed Mehraj Uddin Shah expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University of Ladakh for its collaboration and to the Kho Kho Federation of India for its continuous guidance. He extended special thanks to Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI; Shri Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI; and Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Administration & Organisation, KKFI, for their leadership in promoting Kho Kho in the region.
In his message, Shri Sudhanshu Mittal, President, KKFI, lauded the Ladakh Kho Kho Association and the local authorities for their dedication to taking the sport to new heights. “The successful organization of the first Ladakh UT Kho Kho Championship is a proud moment for our Kho Kho family. It shows how this ancient Indian game continues to reach new heights — both literally and symbolically — uniting communities through tradition, teamwork, and national pride,” he said.
Shri Upkar Singh Virk, General Secretary, KKFI, commended the passion and determination of the players. “Kho Kho thrives on speed, agility, and unity — and the enthusiasm from Ladakh’s athletes truly embodies that spirit. The Federation remains committed to supporting these young talents,” he stated.
Adding to this, Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman, Administration & Organisation, KKFI, remarked, “From the plains to the Himalayas, Kho Kho continues to connect communities through shared values of discipline, courage, and resilience. The energy and participation in Ladakh reaffirm the sport’s bright future.”
The event concluded with the distribution of medals and mementos to players, officials, and dignitaries by the Chief Guest and organizing committee members, celebrating the success of the first-ever UT-level Kho Kho championship in Ladakh’s sporting history.
Results Summary
Boys Category:
- Senior Boys: 🥇 District Kargil | 🥈 District Leh | 🥉 University of Ladakh
- Junior Boys: 🥇 JNV Kargil | 🥈 GMHS Goma Kargil | 🥉 District Kargil
- Sub-Junior Boys: 🥇 JNV Kargil | 🥈 GMHS Biathang
Girls Category:
- Senior Girls: 🥇 District Kargil | 🥈 District Leh | 🥉 University of Ladakh
- Junior Girls: 🥇 JNV Kargil | 🥈 GHS Kaksar | 🥉 Council Model HS Goma Kargil
- Sub-Junior Girls: 🥇 JNV Kargil | 🥈 PM Shri Lungba Trespone | 🥉 GMHS Biathang