Leh to Host World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre, Eyes 2028 Paralympics Glory
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 cater to training and nurturing para-athletes in India, with a focus on international competitions, including the prestigious 2028 Paralympics.
The initiative aims to provide inclusive, world-class training to para-athletes from India and globally, offering an unparalleled competitive edge due to high-altitude training environments. For Indian para players, this facility will present an opportunity to train alongside global champions.
Ladakh Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson expressed his pride over the centre's establishment, highlighting its potential to tap into the region's untapped talent and contribute to India's Paralympics ambitions. "We are confident that this centre will not only help us uncover the full potential of Ladakh's athletes but also propel our country to the top-10 countries by the next Paralympics," he said.
The centre, which will be dedicated to various para sports such as archery, athletics, badminton, and more, has identified 15 potential candidates from Leh-Ladakh UT region who will undergo training at AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad. A screening process is underway to select the eligible athletes, with sub-divisional level screenings planned to ensure maximum participation.
To facilitate the project, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee centre development, while officials have begun land identification processes. The MoU signing marks an important milestone for Indian para sports, with Ladakh poised to establish itself as a hub for high-altitude training in Asia.
Ladakh is set to host the world's first-ever high-altitude para sports centre, which will prepare athletes like previous winners of the 24 Paralympics, who won seven gold and 29 medal in Paris 2024.