Ladakh to Host India's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre Ahead of 2028 Paralympics

In a significant move to boost India's para-athletes' chances in the 2028 Paralympics, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has partnered with the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) to establish the country's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh, Ladakh.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between LAHDC and AMF on [date], aiming to create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for para-athletes from across India. The centre is designed to provide world-class training conditions, focusing on endurance, resilience, and strength essential for international competitions.

"We are thrilled to be part of this historic initiative," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh, adding that the project will help Indian para-athletes achieve their goal of ranking among the top 10 nations in the next Paralympics. "Indian para-athletes have already shown remarkable potential, and this centre will be another milestone in our pursuit of excellence."

Initial planning and construction are underway for a dedicated facility that will cover an array of para sports and winter games. These include archery, athletics, badminton, and other adaptive sports suited to athletes with physical disabilities.

Meanwhile, the Aditya Mehta Foundation has begun conducting screenings for local children with special needs in Ladakh, aiming to identify talented young athletes who can represent India on the global stage. Fifteen potential para-athletes will undergo training at AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad, Asia's first para sports and rehabilitation centre.

To support this initiative, LAHDC has set up a committee, led by CEC Tashi Gyalson, to oversee planning, construction, and implementation of the project. Suitable land for the centre will be identified through coordination with relevant officials.

This landmark facility is a testament to Ladakh's commitment to promoting para-athletics in the region and providing young athletes with an opportunity to excel at the international level.