2024 Climate Cup Football Tournament tackles Himalayan environmental sustainability

An energetic crowd brought Spituk Football Stadium in Leh, Ladakh to life, showcasing the region's deep passion for football. After the matches, dignitaries awarded the Man of the Match honors, recognizing the players' exceptional performances and their role as ambassadors for the Climate Cup's message of environmental sustainability.

The Climate Cup is raising environmental awareness in an area of India profoundly affected by climate change. In July, Ladakh got over 10,000% of its typical rainfall as monsoon rains reached the Himalayas. Watch on YouTube.

In addition to the on-field excitement, the tournament featured a Climate Summit and player interactions with local schoolchildren, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability and community involvement.

“Our second competition of the season will be the Climate Cup, and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s not every day you get to play in Leh, and it’s an amazing opportunity for our young team to compete in such a stunning location,” said Suhel Nair, Head of Youth Development at NorthEast United FC.

Nair also noted, “The Climate Cup is a unique tournament that tackles the urgent issue of climate change through the powerful medium of football. On the field, our young team will gain valuable experience, and off the field, they’ll learn important lessons about life beyond sport.”

1 Ladakh FC, the first professional football club in the Union Territory, aims to harness the power of football to raise climate awareness locally, nationally, and internationally. Founded in April 2023, the club has quickly gained attention for its strong community engagement and environmental commitment. As the first professional club in Ladakh, also known as the Hermit Kingdom, 1 Ladakh FC has set an ambitious goal of becoming the greenest football club in South Asia, with plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions within two years, as reported by the Times of India.

The club's first step toward this goal was partnering with sportswear brand Hummel to create a climate-friendly, recycled jersey. In July, the Dalai Lama himself unveiled the jersey, which was designed by Indian designer Jehad Shora. The eco-friendly kit showcases the beauty of Ladakh, featuring the state bird, the black-necked crane, alongside winding Ladakhi roads, clouds, and iconic temples of the region.

The event was organized by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh & Union Territory Administration Leh Ladakh in collaboration with Ladakh Football Association.

Image courtesy of Sonam Wangyal Yangthang