LADAKH

Recreation

Archery is a popular form of relaxation and contests are held at every festival and at social gatherings. These are gala affairs with much music, dancing, drinking and gaeity. But polo is the most exciting sport. Ladakhi polo is a fast and furious game of two rounds of 20 minutes each with few restraints and rough riding reminiscent of the Mongol horsemen. During winter, frozen water surfaces provide the ideal rink for ice skating. Discarded tins are flattened and attached to the soles of the shoes, serving a substitute for skates. Ice hockey, too, has become a popular winter sport.

The popular sport of archery