The world's first high-altitude para sports centre is set to be established in Leh, Ladakh, aiming to train para-athletes for international competitions, including the highly anticipated 2028 Paralympics. This groundbreaking initiative stems from the collaboration between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, this project is not just significant for Leh but also showcases India's growing prowess in para-sports, especially after Indian athletes brought home 29 medals from the 2024 Paris Paralympics. "It is a very proud feeling for us... this initiative will help us aim for improved performance at the next Paralympics," Gyalson stated.
The centre will leverage the unique high-altitude environment of Leh to provide specialized training for para-athletes, which will give them a competitive edge. While the centre is under development, AMF will start screening and identifying Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh region who will participate in training at AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre located in Hyderabad, Asia's first of its kind.
This interim phase, which focuses on foundational skills and rehabilitation for aspiring athletes, will begin identifying 15 potential candidates from Ladakh. These athletes will undergo initial training and mentorship before the permanent centre is operational. Aditya Mehta, the founder of AMF, expressed his excitement, saying, "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports marks not just progress for the region, but sets new expectations for India's future in international competitions."
To support this ambitious plan, the newly formed committee comprising members of the LAHDC will oversee the centre's development, including the identification of suitable land to house the facilities necessary for training.
The centre promises to include a diverse range of para-sports, catering to various interests and skill sets. The sports disciplines featured will encompass archery, athletics, badminton, blind football, boccia, canoeing, cycling, equestrian events, goalball, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, swimming, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, fencing, and even winter sports like alpine skiing and snowboarding.
By aiming to create world-class athletes, this landmark initiative is expected to attract considerable interest across para-sports disciplines, empowering local talent and potentially placing India on the global para sports map. The centre not only aims to nurture local talents but also provides para-athletes from around the globe with the chance to train together, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.
This expansion marks the start of what many hope will be a thriving centre for para-sports, with the dual objectives of enhancing local infrastructure and providing platforms for athletes to realize their potential. Gyalson emphasized the need for community involvement and support: “We need to engage local stakeholders and create awareness about the opportunities this centre will bring to aspiring athletes.”
The establishment of the world's first high-altitude para sports centre signals a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive sports and acknowledges the talents of para-athletes who have long been underrepresented on international platforms. The commitment from both LAHDC and AMF reflects their dedication not only to sports but also to creating equitable training opportunities for para-athletes.
With development on the horizon, India’s para-athletes are poised for exciting times, and Leh could transform from a picturesque travel destination to the heartbeat of para sports training—the place where dreams of Olympic glory are born.
