In Ladakh, the 21st edition of the prestigious LoC Cricket Tournament, named in honour of Captain Saurabh Kalia, concluded at the Capt. Saurabh Kalia Cricket Stadium in the border village of Kaksar. The grand finale witnessed an exhilarating contest between Friends Drass and Skarchen Latoo, in the presence of senior military officials and civil dignitaries.
In a closely contested match, Friends Drass set a competitive target of 166 runs. Skarchen Latoo, showcasing remarkable grit and determination, successfully chased the target, scoring 167 runs and emerging victorious in the tournament.
The winners, runners-up, and outstanding performers of the tournament were felicitated by Brigadier Ashish Joshi, Commander, Kargil Sentinels Brigade. They received rolling trophies and cash prizes as a token of appreciation and encouragement.
On this occasion, the Chief Guest also distributed trophies and awards to Women Cricket winner Team of GHS Kaksar and Women Cricket Runner Up Team Council Model High School Goma Kargil, as well as to individual players for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. The gesture was a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and the inclusive spirit of the event, highlighting the equal encouragement given to both men and women athletes.
Councillor Kaksar, Abdul Wahid, lauded the enthusiastic participation and spirit of sportsmanship among the youth. He announced a cash prize of ₹10,000 for the Women’s Winner Team of Kaksar and assured continuous support for promoting sports and preserving the rich heritage and culture of the region. He also appreciated the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to empowering and encouraging local youth in all fields, especially sports.
The tournament featured participation from 42 teams across Kargil district, underlining its growing prominence as a key sporting event in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Present at the occasion were notable personalities including social activist Sajjad Kargili, Councillor Chuliskambo Altaf Hussain, Headmaster of GHS Kaksar NH Balkhani, prominent citizens from the Shingo Zone, and hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.
Speaking to the media, Sajjad Kargili emphasized the emotional and symbolic importance of the tournament, originally started by the youth of Kaksar in memory of the brave Captain Saurabh Kalia. He said the event has now evolved into one of Ladakh’s major cricketing events, reflecting unity and gratitude toward the martyrs. He also highlighted the strong bond between the people of Kargil and the Indian Army, noting that the locals have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Army and appreciate its role in the development and support of the region.