Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on August 1 approved the Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at nurturing sporting excellence through assured financial support, institutional backing and incentives for athletes from the Union Territory.

The policy seeks to transform Ladakh into a premier sporting destination while encouraging youth to pursue sports as a viable career. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of promoting sports through initiatives such as Khelo India.

Built around the guiding principles of "Scout, Facilitate and Recognise," the policy was formulated after over two months of consultations with sportspersons, coaches, parents and other stakeholders under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor.

The initiative follows repeated representations from athletes and their families, who highlighted the financial challenges associated with training, equipment and participation in higher-level competitions. Responding to these concerns, the Lieutenant Governor directed the UT Administration to frame a comprehensive sports policy that provides sustained financial support to medal-winning athletes.

Monthly scholarships for medal winners

A key feature of the policy is the introduction of monthly scholarships for 12 months from the date of winning a medal in recognised International, National, UT-level competitions, National School Games and Khelo India Games. The scholarships are intended to help athletes meet expenses related to nutrition, coaching, equipment and training.

Under the policy:

The policy also ensures automatic upgradation of scholarships when an athlete progresses to a higher level of competition. For example, a sportsperson receiving a UT-level scholarship will become eligible for the higher National or International scholarship upon winning a medal at that level. The upgraded scholarship will be granted for a fresh 12-month period without recovery of the amount already received.

Cash incentives up to ₹1 crore

In addition to monthly scholarships, the policy introduces one-time cash incentives ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore for medal winners at recognised International, National, UT and School-level competitions. These incentives will be provided over and above the monthly scholarships.

The policy also announces a one-time cash award of ₹10 lakh for mountaineers from Ladakh who successfully summit peaks above 8,000 metres anywhere in the world.

Special cash awards have also been introduced for athletes excelling in the Paralympic Games, Para Asian Games, Para Commonwealth Games, National Para Sports Championships, Para Championships, and competitions for visually impaired, hearing-impaired and Special Olympics athletes.

Building a sporting ecosystem

Describing the policy as a long-term investment in Ladakh's youth, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the initiative aims to identify sporting talent at the grassroots and provide sustained financial and institutional support throughout an athlete's career.

"The New Ladakh Sports Policy 2026 is a long-term commitment to our youth for building a vibrant sporting culture and a strong institutional support system. Through assured scholarships, cash incentives, modern infrastructure, scientific coaching and career opportunities, we are creating an ecosystem where talent is recognised, nurtured and rewarded without placing a financial burden on families," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The administration believes the policy will encourage greater participation in sports, strengthen Ladakh's sporting ecosystem, and help athletes compete successfully at national and international levels.