Leh to Host World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre Aiming for Success in 2028 Paralympics
By PTI | Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 15:45 IST
Leh, the capital of Ladakh Union Territory, is set to become a hub for para sports with the establishment of the world's first high-altitude para sports centre. This ambitious project aims to elevate the skills and confidence of athletes in preparation for the 2028 Paralympics.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) marks a significant milestone in India's para sports journey. Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC, expressed his pride on behalf of the LAHDC, saying, "It is an honour to announce that Leh will be hosting the world's first high-altitude centre for para sports. This showcases our region's talent and confidence in the Indian para-athletic team."
Meanwhile, till the completion of the centre, 15 talented Children with Special Needs (CWSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region have been identified by AMF. They will undergo a series of training sessions at the Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.
Aditya Mehta, Founder of AMF, hailed this initiative as a "new era" not just for Ladakh but for India's prospects on an international stage. The sports that have been incorporated into this project include 11 para sports disciplines and six winter games.
Athletes who excel under these conditions will be rewarded in the future Paralympic competitions. The Para Sports included are Archery; Athletics; Badminton; Blind Football; Boccia; Canoeing; Cycling; Equestrian; Goalball; Judo; Powerlifting; Rowing; Shooting; Volleyball; Swimming; Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Triathlon among others.
The Winter Games will feature: Para Alpine Skiing; Parallel Biathlon; Cross Country Skiing; Professional Ice Hockey; Snowboard and Wheelchair Curling.
Stay tuned to get the latest updates from this endeavour of a sports initiative with vision.