Historic MOU Signed for World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre in Ladakh

 

Historic MOU Signed for World's First High-Altitude Para Sports Centre in Ladakh

Leh, Ladakh, Nov 12, 2024: A groundbreaking initiative to establish the world’s first high-altitude para sports centre in Leh, Ladakh, was announced today, aimed at training and empowering para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics. A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), both committed to advancing para sports in India.

This high-altitude facility will provide world-class training for para-athletes not only from India but also globally, leveraging Leh’s unique environment to enhance athletes' resilience, endurance, and performance. The centre will focus on 29 para sports, ranging from archery and athletics to wheelchair rugby and para alpine skiing. In addition, a winter sports segment will include para biathlon, ice hockey, and more.

The centre aims to nurture top para-athletes, with the goal of improving India's performance in global competitions and preparing athletes for the 2028 Paralympics. The initiative also includes a preparatory phase, where 15 young talents from Ladakh will receive training at AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy in Hyderabad.

Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting India’s growing strength in para sports, evidenced by 29 medals in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. "This centre will not only elevate Ladakh’s potential but also contribute to India’s success on the world stage," he said.

Aditya Mehta, founder of the AMF, emphasized the strategic importance of Leh's high-altitude environment, which will provide a competitive advantage. “With the right support, Ladakh can produce world-class para athletes, and together with the Ladakh government, we aim to position India among the top nations in the 2028 Paralympic Games,” he stated.

The project has already begun, with a dedicated committee formed to oversee its development. Key stakeholders from the LAHDC and AMF were present at the MoU signing, marking a transformative step towards an inclusive and globally competitive future for India’s para-athletes.