World's first high-altitude para sports centre to come up in Leh; focus on 2028 Paralympics

In a groundbreaking move to support para-athletes, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh has teamed up with the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) to establish the world’s first high-altitude para sports centre. This facility aims to enhance the abilities and confidence of Indian para-athletes as they prepare for the 2028 Paralympics. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between LAHDC, Leh, and AMF, marking a significant step for Indian sports on an international level.

Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, expressed pride in Leh’s role in pioneering this project, saying, "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."

Until the new facility becomes operational, the AMF will identify and support 15 Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh region. These selected individuals will receive initial screening, counselling, and training at the AMF’s Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad, providing an early foundation in para sports.


Aditya Mehta, Founder of AMF, described the initiative as a milestone for India, noting, "The opening of Leh Ladakh as a hub for para sports marks a new era not just for the region, but for India's future in international competitions."

The Leh centre will offer a comprehensive range of para sports training, including archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, judo, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and more. Additionally, winter para sports such as alpine skiing, biathlon, and wheelchair curling are set to be integral parts of the programme.

This centre promises to be a significant resource in advancing India’s presence in global para sports and fostering local talent from Ladakh and beyond.