Jammu, Sep 8 (Representative) In a one-sided affair, Delhi Football Club won the maiden Climate Cup crushing Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) 6-0 in the final at Astroturf Open Stadium in Leh on Thursday.Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd), attended the summit clash.Terming the Climate Cup a good initiative, the Lieutenant Governor stated that such a football tournament on a grand scale has been organised in Ladakh for the first time.Highlighting the mantra of carbon-neutral Ladakh given by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the LG stated that the Climate Cup is a medium to spread the message of carbon neutrality initiative taken by the Administration, both the Hill Councils and PRIs, as it is India’s first zero polythene, minimal waste football event.He stated that he wants the Ladakhi youth to participate in sports events to ensure their involvement in building a stronger community and hoped that the Ladakhi youth would make the most of sporting events such as the Climate Cup for their own benefit and the Ladakhi community’s benefit.Congratulating both the winning and the runners-up teams, the LG appreciated all four teams for displaying sportsmanship spirit during the Climate Cup.He sought cooperation from the people of Ladakh to take sports forward in the region so that the maximum number of Ladakhi youth could be engaged in sports activities.
The LG and other dignitaries, including Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, distributed medals and certificates to the winning and runners-up men’s team and women’s LAHDC Leh and UT Administration teams which took part in the exhibition match.He handed over the cheque of Rs 3 lakhs and the special Climate Cup made using the Ladakhi woodcarving technique to Delhi FC while the TNSA team won Rs 2 lakhs as the runners-up teamFour teams namely Delhi Football Club, UT Ladakh team, 1 Ladakh FC and Tibetan National Sports Association Team- took part in the week-long event which aimed to provide a platform for players to exhibit their skills and foster a sense of responsibility towards saving the environment.Clothing and other logistical requirements used in the event have been made of recycled materials.Earlier, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Ravinder Kumar welcomed the guests and highlighted the carbon-neutral initiatives taken while organising the Climate Cup.Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors- Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Stanzin Chosphel; Councillors; Administrative Secretaries; Joint Director, YSS, Moses Kunzang; President, AIFF, Kalyan Chaubey; Secretary General, AIFF, Shaji Prabhakaran; former Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia; District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Leh, Tsering Tashi; officials from Powergrid and Ladakh Football Association; district officials, students and large number of spectators were present during the final match.