Leh: Ladakh DGP Anand Jain, a 1999-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has urged young people to take up sports and other constructive activities, saying sporting achievements by police personnel can inspire youth to maintain physical fitness and stay away from drugs.
Jain made the remarks while highlighting the achievement of a Special Police Officer (SPO) who participated in the 13th Ladakh Marathon 2026. He said such accomplishments send a positive message to young people and demonstrate the importance of discipline, fitness and perseverance.
The Ladakh Marathon is being held from September 10 to 13 this year, featuring six races, including the 122-km Silk Route Ultra, 72-km Khardung La Challenge, full marathon, half marathon and shorter-distance events.
DGP Encourages Youth to Choose Sports
Jain called on young people to stay away from drugs and focus on sports, education and other productive pursuits. He said participation in such activities can help young people build their futures while contributing to nation-building.
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The key messages from the DGP include:
- Stay physically active: Sports can encourage discipline and a healthier lifestyle among youth.
- Avoid substance abuse: Jain urged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on constructive activities.
- Build through achievement: Sporting accomplishments can serve as examples for other young people.
- Contribute to society: Jain linked youth participation in positive activities with wider nation-building.
The DGP also said that the police department would provide cash awards to achievers, recognising sporting accomplishments by its personnel.
Ladakh Offers 4% Sports Quota in Government Recruitment
Jain also pointed to the advantage available to sportspersons under the 4% reservation in recruitment, subject to the applicable category and rules.
The provision follows the Ladakh Administration’s August 2026 approval of a 4% horizontal reservation for outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group C non-gazetted government posts. The administration subsequently notified the relevant 2026 rules.
The eligibility framework covers sportspersons who have represented their state or country in recognised national or international competitions, medal winners in specified national championships and participants meeting prescribed criteria in events including Khelo India competitions.
Ladakh Marathon Promotes High-Altitude Sporting Culture
The 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon has attracted record interest, with the UT administration stating that registrations reached nearly 8,000 participants from 28 States and 6 Union Territories, compared with 6,521 participants the previous year. The prize pool has also been increased to ₹1 crore.
The event, organised annually since 2012, is recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and includes high-altitude endurance races such as the Khardung La Challenge and Silk Route Ultra.
Jain’s remarks therefore connect the sporting event with a broader message on youth fitness, drug prevention and opportunities for sportspersons through government recruitment policies.
About Ladakh Marathon
The Ladakh Marathon, established in 2012, is a high-altitude running event held in Ladakh. It was launched following the 2010 flash floods to celebrate the resilience of the people of Ladakh. The event has since grown into an internationally recognised endurance race, featuring distances ranging from a 5-km run to the 122-km Silk Route Ultra, with courses set at altitudes of around 11,500 to 17,618 feet.
