Para Sports
Ladakh to get first ever high altitude Para-Center, will feature 29 sports
It will focus on training for international competitions including the larger goal of preparing para-athletes for the 2028 Paralympics.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF)
The world’s first high-altitude para sports centre dedicated to training para athletes in the country will be established in Leh, Ladakh and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF).
The high-altitude para sports centre will offer inclusive, world-class training to para-athletes from India and globally, providing them with a competitive edge unique to high-altitude training environments and an opportunity for Indian para players to train alongside the champions of the game.
“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 left an undeniable mark on the world stage. The 29 medals, including seven gold in the 2024 Paralympics is a testament to the talent we have in our country," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh (LAHDC).
"I am confident that this centre will not only help to tap the potentials of the region but also contribute hugely to India’s journey to feature in the top-10 countries by the next Paralympics,” he added.
Till the time the centre is completed, the AMF officials will identify Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh UT region and they will undergo screening, counselling, and training at AMF’s Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre, which is also Asia’s first Para Sports Academy and Rehab Centre in Hyderabad.
This interim phase will build foundational skills and offer essential rehabilitation for aspiring athletes from the Ladakh region.
15 potential candidates from Ladakh will soon be sent for training in Hyderabad, with screenings to be held at the sub-divisional level to ensure maximum participation.
List of Sports to be included
Para Sports: 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.
Winter Games: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.
