1 Ladakh FC
1 Ladakh FC is the first professional football club from Ladakh. Based high in the Himalayas, the club combines football development with a distinctive mission: representing Ladakhi culture while using the game to promote climate action and environmental responsibility.
Ladakh’s First Professional Club
One Ladakh Football Club, usually styled as 1 Ladakh FC, was launched in April 2023. The club was created to give players from Ladakh a pathway into organised football and to establish a team capable of representing the region beyond local competition.
Its home is Leh, where football is played at an altitude of roughly 11,000 feet above sea level. The setting gives 1 Ladakh FC one of the most unusual identities in Indian football, but the club’s story is about more than altitude: it also reflects the people, wildlife and traditions of the Himalayan region.
A Historic Durand Cup Debut
In 2025, 1 Ladakh FC became the first club from Ladakh to compete in the Durand Cup. The appearance placed the young club in one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments and brought its regional identity to a national audience.
The squad combined Ladakhi footballers with experienced players recruited from elsewhere in India. Although the tournament marked an early step rather than the end of the club’s journey, it was an important landmark for football in Ladakh.
One Earth, One Goal
Climate action is built into 1 Ladakh FC’s public identity. The club uses the message “One Earth — One Goal” and has described its ambition to become one of India’s cleanest and greenest football clubs.
This mission has particular meaning in Ladakh, where Himalayan glaciers are an essential source of water and the effects of climate change are strongly felt. The club has promoted lower-plastic operations, environmental awareness and the measurement of its carbon footprint, while also using football to support community building.
The Black-Necked Crane
The black-necked crane on the club crest is closely associated with Ladakh and reinforces 1 Ladakh FC’s connection to the region’s wildlife and environment. Traditional Ladakhi-inspired motifs have also appeared within the club’s jersey designs.
Red has been a prominent colour in 1 Ladakh FC kits, alongside white and contrasting darker details. The club has also used environmentally conscious jersey production as part of its wider sustainability message. Exact colours, patterns and manufacturers can vary by season.
This FanFile covers the club rather than one particular jersey. Check the crest, manufacturer label, sponsor and product code on your own shirt to identify its specific season and edition.
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Club Links
Sources & Further Reading
- 1 Ladakh FC: official club website
- Times of India: 1 Ladakh FC’s historic Durand Cup entry
- Durand Cup: official competition website
Facts checked: 17 September 2026.