*4% Reservation for Outstanding Sportspersons in jobs
Ranjit Thakur
LEH, Jan 1: The Union Territory of Ladakh has taken a major leap forward in strengthening its sports ecosystem with the approval of the Ladakh Sports Policy-2025 by the Lieutenant Governor. The official notification, issued by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, has been published in the Ladakh Gazette.
The policy aims to nurture talent from grassroot levels to elite performance, placing Ladakh prominently on both national and international sports maps. It emphasizes physical literacy, inclusivity, competitive excellence and equal focus on para-sportspersons. Designed to provide a structured roadmap, the policy facilitates coordinated efforts by Government departments, sports bodies, educational institutions and private stakeholders, transforming sports into a professionally managed ecosystem.
The vision of the Ladakh Sports Policy-2025 is to cultivate a vibrant sports culture, starting at the school level and extending to elite performance. Guided by the principles of “Scout, Facilitate and Recognize,” the policy aims to encourage mass participation while fostering high-performance sports over the next decade.
A key feature of the policy is its focus on recognizing and rewarding excellence. Annual awards are presented on Republic Day, honouring achievements at national and international levels. The State Award recognizes outstanding athletes, while coaches receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh every three years for training medal winners. The Lt. Governor’s Gold Rolling Trophy, also valued at Rs 1 lakh, is awarded triennially to the most active UT Sports Association, promoting participation, organizational excellence, and performance across Ladakh.
The policy also provides a 4 percent horizontal reservation for outstanding sportspersons in non-gazetted Government jobs. In-service sportspersons who achieve excellence during their careers will be eligible for incentives, advance increments, and out-of-turn promotions in line with Government of India guidelines.
Cash awards for medal-winning athletes have been structured to reward achievements based on the level of competition and medal secured. International-level medallists will receive: Rs 100 lakh (Gold), Rs 75 lakh (Silver) and Rs 50 lakh (Bronze) at the Olympic and Paralympic Games; Rs 50 lakh, Rs 30 lakh, and Rs 25 lakh at the Asian Games and Rs 25 lakh, Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh at the Commonwealth Games. At the national level, National Games winners get Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh, while medallists in recognized National Championships, Khelo India Games and All India Inter-University tournaments receive cash awards scaled across senior, junior, and sub-junior categories. Para-sportspersons are eligible for equivalent awards, and student athletes securing top positions will receive scholarships, with special support for female athletes.
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the policy. The UT plans to create world-class sports facilities, while upgrading existing venues to international standards. A dedicated committee under the Department of Youth Services and Sports will ensure quality, modernization, and optimal utilization of infrastructure.
The policy prioritizes training and development of coaches through national and international exchange programs, refresher courses and modern coaching methodologies. Additionally, it emphasizes sports injury management and rehabilitation, proposing specialized centers equipped with modern facilities.
Sports tourism is also promoted, leveraging Ladakh’s unique landscape and climate to host national and international events. Initiatives such as Walls of Fame and a digital databank of sportspersons are planned to inspire youth and streamline athlete development.
Under the policy, the Department of Youth Services and Sports will classify sports disciplines into Olympic and Non-Olympic categories. Olympic disciplines include Ice Hockey, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Handball, Table Tennis, Boxing, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Judo, Weightlifting, Kayaking & Canoeing, Skiing, Fencing, Rugby, Cycling, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Swimming, Tennis, Rowing, Triathlon, Equestrian, Yachting, Ice Skating, Curling, and Para Sports. Non-Olympic disciplines include Mountaineering, Traditional Archery, Ice Climbing, Cricket, Baseball, Billiards & Snooker, Chess, Golf, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Power Lifting, Roller Skating, Softball, Wushu, Yoga, Karate, Netball, Pencak, Polo and Squash.
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