Ladakh Pioneers World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Aditya Mehta Foundation have joined forces to launch India's first-ever high-altitude para sports centre, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the country's Paralympic ambitions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between LAHDC, Leh, and AMF, highlighting the region's significant role in shaping the nation's future in international competitions.
According to Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, Leh is proud to be at the forefront of this pioneering project. "It is a very proud feeling for us that Leh will be establishing the world's first-ever high-altitude centre for para sports," he stated. "Indian para-athletes have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, with 29 medals won in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, including seven gold."
To support local talent and prepare aspiring Indian para-athletes for the 2028 Paralympics, LAHDC and AMF will collaborate to provide training and infrastructure. In the meantime, 15 children with special needs from the Leh-Ladakh region have been identified and selected to benefit from the AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad. These young athletes will receive initial screening, counselling, and training, laying the foundation for their para sports journey.
According to Aditya Mehta, Founder of AMF, the initiative represents a new era not just for Ladakh but also for India's future in international competitions. "The opening of Leh as a hub for para sports marks a significant milestone," he noted.
The planned high-altitude centre in Leh will offer an extensive range of para sports training, including archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, judo, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and more. Winter para sports such as alpine skiing, biathlon, and wheelchair curling are also set to be integral parts of the programme.
As India looks to advance its presence in global para sports, this facility promises to be a significant resource for fostering local talent from Ladakh and beyond. With its high-altitude location and extensive range of training programs, the centre is poised to help Indian para-athletes achieve international success while promoting the region's unique role in shaping the nation's sporting future.