Ladakh Sports Policy 2026: Building an Inclusive, High-Performance Sports Ecosystem in the Union Territory
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Union Territory of Ladakh | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
On January 3, 2026, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta formally launched the Ladakh Sports Policy 2025 in Leh. Marking the first dedicated sports policy for the Union Territory since its inception in 2019, the document provides a comprehensive 10-year roadmap to transform Ladakh into a premier sporting hub. The policy is anchored in the foundational principle of “Scout, Facilitate, and Recognize,” focusing on grassroots talent identification, world-class infrastructure, and rewarding excellence.
Key pillars of the policy include:
Institutional Framework: Establishment of the Ladakh Sports Council to coordinate between government bodies and sports associations for long-term planning, coaching, and financial support.
Employment Security: A landmark 4% horizontal reservation in non-gazetted government jobs for outstanding sportspersons to encourage sports as a viable career.
Financial Incentives: Substantial cash awards for medalists, including ₹1 crore for Olympic Gold, ₹75 lakh for Silver, and ₹50 lakh for Bronze.
Inclusive Focus: Dedicated support for women athletes and para-athletes, ensuring equitable access to high-performance training and scholarships.
Specialized Infrastructure: Upgrading existing venues to international standards and developing specialized centers for sports injury management and rehabilitation.
What is the “Scout, Facilitate, and Recognize” principle? It is the strategic lifecycle for athlete development adopted by the Ladakh Administration. “Scout” involves scientific talent identification at the school and village level; “Facilitate” provides these athletes with modern coaching, sports science, and world-class equipment; and “Recognize” ensures their success is met with government job security, life-changing cash awards, and prestigious honors like the State Award.
Policy Relevance
The Ladakh Sports Policy 2025 is a critical sub-national intervention that aligns with the National Sports Policy 2025 and the Khelo India mission. By leveraging the region’s unique high-altitude geography and climatic conditions, the policy aims to position Ladakh as India’s capital for winter and adventure sports.
Strategic Impact for India:
Winter Sports Hub: With Ladakh hosting the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in early 2026, the policy creates the legal and financial framework to sustain global-standard infrastructure for Ice Hockey, Skiing, and Mountaineering.
Countering Substance Abuse: The policy explicitly uses sports as a tool for social development, engaging youth to dissuade them from vices like tobacco and drugs through structured community sporting activities.
Economic Diversification: By promoting Sports Tourism, the administration aims to create new revenue streams that leverage Ladakh’s natural landscape while providing hospitality and logistics opportunities for the local population.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the Administration ensure the ‘4% job reservation’ is effectively implemented across all non-gazetted departments to prevent bureaucratic delays in the appointment of elite athletes, who often have a limited peak competitive window?
Follow the full news here: Ladakh Sports Policy 2026