Leh to Get World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre Ahead of 2028 Paralympics

LEH, LADAKH - A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) today to establish the world's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh. The facility will focus on developing new talent for India's para-athletes ahead of the 2028 Paralympics.

The project aims to create a state-of-the-art centre that will provide athletes with access to cutting-edge facilities and expert training at high altitude. This move is seen as a major step forward in promoting para sports in Ladakh, one of the most challenging regions for athletic competitions due to its high altitude and harsh climate.

According to Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC, "It is a very proud feeling for us that Leh will be establishing the world's first-ever high-altitude centre for para sports. Indian para-athletes have won 29 medals, including seven gold, in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and it is a testament of the talent we have in our country."

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

"This marks a new era not just for the region, but for India's future in international competitions," said Aditya Mehta, Founder, AMF. "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports is a testament to the country's commitment towards inclusivity and disability rights."

The centre will offer training facilities for over 20 types of para sports, 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, wheel chair rugby and wheelchair tennis in winter as well.

The high-altitude centre will also conduct training sessions for Winter Games such as Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard and Wheelchair Curling.

As the state gears up to host this centre of excellence in para sports, all eyes are on India's para-athlete Avani Lekhara who won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024.