*Stadium unable to host competitions or national-level events
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 16: The much-anticipated Ice Hockey Stadium at Khurbathang in Kargil district is yet to become operational despite completion of its structural construction, as the crucial 24×7 mechanical chilling facility required for year-round functioning of the rink has not been installed.
The matter came to light in the Lok Sabha in response to an unstarred question raised by Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa. Replying to the query, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya informed the House that the project titled “Construction of Ice Hockey Stadium at Kargil” was sanctioned under the Special Development Plan (SDP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Minister further clarified that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has not sanctioned the project under any of its schemes, indicating that the funding and execution of the stadium fall outside the ambit of the Sports Ministry.
Mandaviya said as per information received from the Youth Services and Sports Department of Ladakh, the structural work of the ice hockey rink at Khurbathang has already been completed, but the installation of the mechanical chilling system essential for maintaining ice throughout the year is still pending.
The project was initially approved under the SDP at an estimated cost of Rs 32.58 crore. Subsequently, the concerned authorities of the UT of Ladakh submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs 42.26 crore to accommodate additional requirements for completing the facility.
Due to the absence of the chilling facility, the stadium cannot yet host regular training, competitions or national-level ice hockey events, delaying the full-utilization of the infrastructure.
Once completed, the stadium is expected to strengthen winter sports infrastructure in Ladakh and provide a major boost to ice hockey in Kargil, a region known for its strong grassroots presence in the sport.
Local players and sports enthusiasts have been urging authorities to expedite approvals and ensure early completion of the remaining works so that the facility can be made operational at the earliest.
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