LEH TO ESTABLISH WORLD'S FIRST HIGH-ALTITUDE PARA SPORTS CENTRE TO PREPARE FOR 2028 PARALYMPICS
LEH, LADAKH - The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the world's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh, Ladakh. The centre will focus on training Indian para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics.
The MoU was signed by Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh, and Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chairperson of the Aditya Mehta Foundation in presence of Shri Amitabh Bachhan (Honorary Chair Patron), Shri Anil Khardia (Trustee), and other dignitaries.
The high-altitude para sports centre will offer world-class training to para-athletes from India and around the globe, providing them with a competitive edge and opportunities for international competitions. The centre will also enable Indian para players to train alongside global champions in a unique environment that leverages Leh's natural altitude advantages.
According to the MoU, the AMF officials have been identified with the task of scouting Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region and providing them training facilities through their Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre. The centre will initially provide foundational skills and rehabilitation for aspiring athletes before they are shortlisted to attend full-time training programs.
The project is being spearheaded by the CEC, with the formation of a dedicated committee overseeing its development. The committee has also tasked officials with land identification to ensure timely completion of the facility.
"The establishment of this world-class centre is a testament to Ladakh's strength and potential for fostering the growth of para sports. Our aim is not only to provide quality training but also to generate employment, create infrastructure, and pave the way for inclusive economic development," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson while addressing the MoU signing.
LEHE LEAD THE WAY IN PARALYMPIC SPORTS: WITH 29 MEDALS, INCLUDING SEVEN GOLD, INDIA CONTINUES TO PROVE ITSELF AS A WORLD FORCE OF BEHIND.
This move comes in the wake of India's impressive performance at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Indian para-athletes secured 29 medals, including seven gold. This achievement has further bolstered Ladakh's determination to create a Centre that can not only boost talent but also propel sports development to national levels.
The centre will feature an array of Para Sports categories, 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 Wheelchair Rugby.
Additionally, the centre will also offer training facilities to Winter Games Para Sports disciplines comprising Para Alpine Skiing; Para Biathlon; Para Cross-Country Skiing; Para Ice Hockey; Para Snowboard; Wheelchair Curling.