Ladakh News
CEC LAHDC Commends International Coach Mohd Abbass Nordakh for Historic Achievement in Ice Speed Skating Leh, 20th April 2025: International Coach Mohd Abbass Nordakh, a distinguished native of Ladakh, was recently honoured by the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Mr Tashi Gyalson, in recognition of his exceptional achievement in leading Team India in Ice Short Track Speed Skating at the 9th Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin, China. Abbass made history as the first Ladakhi to serve as the national coach at the prestigious Asian Winter Games, a significant milestone that underscores both his personal dedication and the burgeoning prominence of Ladakh within the global sporting community. The felicitation ceremony, held at the LAHDC offices, was attended by the Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Mr Tsering Angchuk, and Hon’ble Executive Councillor Mr Ghulam Mehdi, who collectively lauded Abbass’s pioneering efforts in advancing winter sports in Ladakh. A highly esteemed figure in the field of ice sports, Abbass is the recipient of the District Award in Sports (2025). He boasts a range of distinguished international coaching certifications, including from the International Ice Hockey Federation (Finland, 2003), USA Hockey Level-4 (USA, 2011), and the International Skating Union (Singapore, 2019). His expert guidance has been instrumental in the development of youth talent in both ice hockey and ice speed skating across Ladakh, earning him widespread recognition both in India and internationally. Under Abbass’s leadership, Ladakh achieved its most successful performance to date at the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, held earlier this year in Leh, where the region secured its highest ever medal tally. His contributions have solidified his reputation as a central figure in the development of winter sports in the region. Abbass’s illustrious career includes international coaching roles at prestigious events such as the Asian Trophy in Indonesia, the SEA Trophy in the Philippines, as well as coaching assignments in Romania and Taiwan. In his capacity as Senior Coach with the Ice Skating Association of India, Abbass played a key role in conducting trials for the Asian Games in Thailand, fostering the identification and nurturing of talent for future international competitions. His continued commitment to the sport has not only enhanced the visibility of Ladakh but also served as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes in the region, encouraging them to pursue winter sports as a serious career option. As a mark of his appreciation, Coach Abbass presented official Asian Games pins to the dignitaries present at the ceremony and gifted a special souvenir to the Hon’ble CEC, in a gesture of gratitude for the unwavering support extended to sports and youth development in Ladakh. This commendation of Coach Abbass’s outstanding achievements highlights the growing recognition of Ladakh as a centre of excellence in winter sports and serves to reinforce the region’s potential as a hub for sporting talent in India. |
