Leh to Host World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Center Ahead of 2028 Paralympics

A significant milestone in the development of para sports has been achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Aditya Mehta Foundation. The agreement aims to establish Leh, Ladakh, as the venue for the world's first high-altitude para sports center.

As part of this initiative, Indian para-athletes have been making waves in international competitions. In the 2024 Paralympics held in Paris, they secured an impressive 29 medals, including seven gold, underlining India's growing success in para sports.

"We are thrilled to announce that Leh will be hosting the world's first high-altitude centre for para sports. This is a testament to the talent and potential of our country's para-athletes," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC.

With the signing of this MoU, the Aditya Mehta Foundation will identify 15 Children with Special Needs from the Leh-Ladakh UT region to undergo screening, counselling, and training at their Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Mehta, Founder, AMF, emphasized that this marks a new era not just for Leh Ladakh but for India's future in international competitions. "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports is a landmark development that will pave the way for India to make significant strides in the world of para sports," she noted.

Some of the sports scheduled to be included at the centre are: 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.

Additionally, the centre will also explore participation in winter sports, including Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling. The para sports center is set to play a pivotal role in nurturing young athletes with special needs, providing them a platform to showcase their talent globally.

The foundation is committed to fostering the growth of Indian para-athletes while promoting inclusivity and accessibility for children with disabilities across India.