World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre to be Set Up in Leh

In an effort to boost the talent of Indian para-athletes ahead of the 2028 Paralympics, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the world's first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh.

The centre will serve as a state-of-the-art facility, aiming to advance the skills and confidence of athletes under the high altitude. The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone for Indian para-athletes, who have already won 29 medals, including seven gold, in the 2024 Paralympics.

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."

For the initial period until the completion of the centre, Aditya Mehta Foundation will identify 15 Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from Leh-Ladakh UT region and provide them with screening, counselling and training at their Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad.

The proposed facility will include an array of sports such as 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.

Furthermore, the centre will also offer Winter sports, including Para Alpine Skiing; Para Biathlon; Para Cross-Country Skiing; Para Ice Hockey; Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.

Aditya Mehta termed the establishment of Leh as a hub for para sports "marks a new era not just for the region, but for India’s future in international competitions," stating that this will pave the way for Indian athletes to achieve greater success globally.