Ladakh to Host World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre Ahead of 2028 Paralympics
LEH, LADAKH (PTI): In a bid to boost India's prospects at the upcoming 2028 Paralympics, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) to set up the world's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh.
The state of Ladakh aims to establish itself as a hub for adaptive sports, leveraging its unique geographical advantage to create a niche for athletic development. This ambitious project is expected to not only hone the skills of local athletes but also attract talent from across India and globally.
Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC, expressed his pride in Leh's selection as the host for this groundbreaking centre, citing India's impressive performance at the 2024 Paralympics: "Indian para-athletes have won an unprecedented 29 medals, including seven golds, and it's a testament to our country's untapped potential. This project is poised to unlock new talent and further propel India's ascent in international competitions."
During its construction phase, the AMF will identify 15 children with special needs from the Leh-Ladakh region, providing them with comprehensive training, counseling, and support through their Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.
Aditya Mehta, founder of AMF, views this initiative as a milestone for Ladakh's emergence on the international sports stage: "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports heralds a new era not just for this region but also for India's future in global competitions. We're committed to nurturing local talent and shaping their journeys into world-class athletes."
The centre will focus on various para-sports disciplines, 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, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis. In addition to these, winter sports like para alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, snowboard, and wheelchair curling will also be offered.
Expected to become operational soon, this world-class facility is poised to further enhance India's sporting landscape, solidify its position on the global stage, and inspire a new generation of athletes from the highest and remotest corners of the country.