The world's first high-altitude para sports centre dedicated to training and nurturing para-athletes in the country will be established in Leh, Ladakh and will focus on training for international competitions, including the larger goal of preparing para-athletes for the 2028 Paralympics.
A Memorandum and Understanding (MoU) to this effect 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, not only from India but globally, providing them with a competitive edge unique to high-altitude training environments and also an opportunity for Indian para players to train alongside the champions of the game.
As per the MOU, till the time the centre is getting completed, the AMF officials will identify the 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 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.
To facilitate the project, the CEC announced the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee the centre's development and directed officials to begin land identification for the facility.
Para Sports to be included are 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.
