Ladakh Set to Host World's First High-Altitude Paralympics Training Centre

Leh, Ladakh - November 12: In a significant move aimed at promoting para sports in the country, the government of Ladakh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aditya Mehta Foundation to establish the world's first high-altitude para sports centre.

The project aims to enhance the skills and confidence of Indian para-athletes ahead of the 2028 Paralympics. The centre will offer training in various disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, football, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, and wheel sports like para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.

"We are thrilled to launch this initiative, which will not only benefit our athletes but also showcase Ladakh's potential as a hub for para sports," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. "India has already made its mark in international competitions with 29 medals, including seven gold, at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris."

To start the training process, the Aditya Mehta Foundation will select 15 Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region and provide them with screening, counselling, and training sessions at their Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.

Aditya Mehta, Founder of AMF, expressed his enthusiasm for this project, stating, "The opening of Ladakh as a hub for para sports marks a new era not just for the region, but for India's future in international competitions. We are confident that our athletes will excel with this unique training opportunity."

With this initiative, Ladakh is poised to become a key player in Para Olympic movement and contribute to India's growing reputation in the field of Paralympic sports.