Ladakh to Host World's First High-Altitude Para-Sports Centre

Leh, Ladakh - In a pioneering move towards sports inclusivity, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, has partnered with the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) to establish the world's first high-altitude sports centre specifically for para-athletes. This initiative was cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming the sports landscape for specially-abled athletes.

Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Hill Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "This initiative aims to provide specially-abled athletes with high-performance training facilities at a unique high-altitude location, enhancing their preparation and potential for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics."

Under the terms of the MoU, children with special needs (CwSN) from Ladakh will initially receive screening, counseling, and training at Hyderabad’s Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre, managed by AMF. Once completed, the high-altitude para-sports centre in Ladakh will not only serve athletes from India but will also welcome para-athletes from around the globe, offering them unparalleled training opportunities due to its unique altitude advantages.

The centre's development is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity in sports for the region. "This centre will empower our differently-abled athletes, allowing them to train with world-class facilities and represent Ladakh with pride on global platforms," Gyalson remarked.

To ensure the project's swift progress, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the development of the facility. The CEC also directed officials to start identifying suitable land for the centre. Additionally, plans are underway to send 15 potential candidates from Ladakh to Hyderabad for training, with screenings to be conducted at the sub-divisional level to maximize participation.

This initiative marks a historic moment for Ladakh, setting the stage for it to become a hub for para-sports training, fostering athletes who can compete and excel on international stages. The project not only aims at sports development but also at promoting Ladakh as a destination for global para-sports activities, thereby enhancing its global visibility and inclusivity in sports.