Leh, Sep 21 (KNO): The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on Saturday announced the establishment of the world’s first High Altitude, High Performance Parasports Centre in Ladakh.
This innovative facility, developed in collaboration with the Ladakh Government and the Aditya Mehta Foundation, aims to become a global hub for training para-athletes across all 28 parasports disciplines, an official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said the Ladakh Parasports Academy's mission is to screen, identify and nurture aspiring athletes, and guide them to find their ideal sport and develop into world-class competitors.
In a recent meeting, attended by Aditya Mehta, founder of the Aditya Mehta Foundation, former DIG of the BSF DP Singh and the Foundation’s Chief Physiotherapist, the potential of this centre was extensively discussed.
The Aditya Mehta Foundation is well-known for operating Asia’s first Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre. It has played a pivotal role in integrating parasports into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The Foundation also collaborates with educational institutions like Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti to support children with special needs in their athletic pursuits.
“The unique advantages of high-altitude training at the Ladakh Parasports Academy will not only benefit local athletes but also attract para-athletes from across India and around the globe. This facility is designed to help athletes reach their full potential and will set a new standard in elite parasports training,” the official said. “We will be visiting potential sites to determine the most suitable location for this world-class facility. With the unwavering support of the Ladakh Government, the centre is poised to revolutionise parasports training and cultivate future champions.”
The Chairman of the Hill Council (H’CEC) praised India’s remarkable performance at the Paralympics and extended heartfelt congratulations to all athletes and the Indian Paralympic Association.
He called for establishing a Paralympic association in Ladakh to further support and promote local athletes—(KNO)