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

Leh, Ladakh - November 12, 2024: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) signed a Memorandum and Understanding (MoU) with the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) to establish the world's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh, Ladkah. The centre aims to nurture the skills and confidence of athletes ahead of the 2028 Paralympics.

According to Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC, "It is a proud moment for us to establish Leh as a hub for para sports in India. Our country's achievements in international competitions, including 29 medals with seven gold wins at the Paris Paralympics 2024, underscore our exceptional talent pool."

Meanwhile, the AMF will identify and train 15 Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region to develop potential new para-athletes. These children will undergo screening, counselling, and training at the Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.

According to Aditya Mehta, Founder of AMF, "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports marks a new era not just for our region but for India's future in international competitions."

Several sports disciplines will be included in the centre, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Blind Football, Boccia, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Shooting, Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, and others.

The centre will also cater to winter games enthusiasts, offering Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling among other disciplines.

With the establishment of this centre, Leh aims to cement its position as a leader in para sports development, further enhancing India's chances of success at future international competitions.