Ladakh unveils sports policy with ₹1 crore top reward, monthly scholarships

The Ladakh administration has introduced its Sports Policy 2026, offering monthly scholarships for medal-winning athletes, one-time cash rewards of up to ₹1 crore, and additional incentives for para-athletes and mountaineers.

Approved by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the policy aims to reduce the financial burden on sportspersons and encourage young people in the Union Territory to pursue sports as a career.

Built around the motto “Scout, Facilitate and Recognise,” it seeks to strengthen talent identification and support athletes from grassroots competitions to the international stage.

Monthly scholarships for medal winners

A key feature of the policy is a system of monthly scholarships lasting 12 months for medal winners at recognised international, national and state-level competitions, as well as the National School Games and Khelo India events.

Under the scheme, international gold medallists will receive ₹1 lakh per month, while national-level gold medallists will receive ₹75,000 monthly. State-level gold medallists will be eligible for ₹10,000 per month.

Silver and bronze medallists will also receive scholarships at proportionate rates within their respective competition categories. The policy provides for automatic upgrades when athletes win medals at higher levels, allowing them to move into the corresponding scholarship bracket. If an athlete qualifies for a higher category during an existing scholarship period, the revised amount will apply for a fresh 12-month term.

Cash rewards of up to ₹1 crore

Alongside recurring financial assistance, the policy introduces one-time cash incentives ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore for medal winners at recognised sporting competitions.

The reward structure covers athletes competing across different levels, from school and state events to national and international competitions. The administration said the measures were designed to address financial constraints that can prevent athletes from continuing their sporting careers.

Additional support for mountaineering and para-sports

The policy also recognises mountaineering as an area where Ladakh has a natural advantage. Ladakhi mountaineers who successfully summit peaks above 8,000 metres anywhere in the world will be eligible for a one-time incentive of ₹10 lakh.

Separate cash incentives have been introduced for athletes competing at the Paralympic Games, Para Asian Games and Para Commonwealth Games, as well as national para-sport championships. The provisions also cover competitions for visually impaired and hearing-impaired athletes and Special Olympics participants.

Infrastructure, coaching and talent identification

Beyond direct financial assistance, the policy outlines plans to improve sports infrastructure, strengthen scientific coaching and identify promising athletes at the grassroots level. It also seeks to create better career opportunities for sportspersons and build a more sustainable sporting ecosystem in the Union Territory.

Saxena said the policy reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not force talented athletes or their families to abandon sporting ambitions.

The administration finalised the policy after consultations with athletes, coaches and other stakeholders over two months, according to The Statesman. The new framework is intended to provide more consistent support as athletes progress through different levels of competition.