In a groundbreaking initiative to empower para-athletes, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, announced a partnership with Aditya Mehta, founder of the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), to establish the world’s first high-altitude, high-performance para sports center in Ladakh.

The new center aims to become a global hub for training para-athletes across all 28 parasports disciplines. The mission of the Ladakh Parasports Academy is to screen, identify, and nurture aspiring athletes, guiding them to find their best-suited sport and shaping them into world-class competitors.

CEC Gyalson, accompanied by D.P. Singh, D.I.G. (Ex-BSF), and Asha Shaikh, a physiotherapist at the Foundation, visited the Children with Special Needs School on September 21 to officially mark the commencement of this transformative project.

CEC Tashi Gyalson shared his vision, stating, “Ladakh is poised to nurture world-class para-athletes, and our partnership with the Aditya Mehta Foundation is a vital step toward realizing this dream.”

He further emphasized the inherent abilities of children with special needs, highlighting that the high-performance center will provide unparalleled opportunities for athletes from Ladakh to excel in parasports, gaining both dignity and global recognition. Gyalson noted that this initiative will not only develop athletic talent but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals with disabilities, showcasing their potential.

The facility is designed to benefit children with special needs, not only from Ladakh but from across India and beyond. By collaborating with the Aditya Mehta Foundation, which is renowned as Asia’s first para sports academy and rehabilitation center, this initiative aims to empower para-athletes and help them achieve their aspirations in international competitions.

While construction of the center is underway, CEC Gyalson emphasized the need for immediate action. He urged the Aditya Mehta Foundation to begin the early screening of children for potential training opportunities at AMF’s esteemed academy in Hyderabad, ensuring they are well-prepared to represent India in the 2028-29 Paralympics, as well as in other national and international events.

This initiative reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity in sports and highlights the vital role that parasports play in promoting empowerment and dignity for individuals with disabilities. As the project progresses, it is expected to not only raise the standard of parasports in India but also position Ladakh as a global hub for high-altitude athletic training.