Ladakh Introduces ‘Historic’ 4% Horizontal Reservation for Outstanding Sportspersons

SRINAGAR: Ladakh has taken a landmark step by instituting a fixed 4 per cent horizontal reservation for “outstanding sportspersons” in direct recruitment to Group ‘C’ government posts, a move that Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has hailed as both historic and revolutionary.

This decision, embedded within the newly approved Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, marks the first time any Union Territory or state in the country has granted a statutory, clearly defined reservation exclusively for sportspersons in government employment.

The initiative reflects a strategic focus on securing the future of Ladakh’s young athletes and encouraging more youth to pursue sports as a viable and respected career, an official spokesman said in Leh on Wednesday. With the Lieutenant Governor’s approval, the Administration has notified the UT of Ladakh Outstanding Sportspersons (Horizontal Reservation in Direct Recruitment to Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Posts) Rules, 2026, establishing a structured and transparent framework for implementing this reservation, he said. Unlike other states and UTs that offer incentives under sports quotas, Ladakh’s policy stands apart by providing a fixed, statutory 4 per cent reservation.

Under the new rules, “Outstanding Sportspersons” include individuals who have represented their state or country in recognised national or international competitions, medal winners in Senior and Junior National Championships, achievers in Khelo India Youth Games (above 18 years), Khelo India Winter Games, Khelo India Para Games, Khelo India University Games, and those who have represented their universities in recognised inter-university tournaments. Chess players meeting DoPT criteria have also been included, ensuring comprehensive coverage across sporting disciplines.

The reservation applies horizontally across all vertical categories—SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and General—meaning selected candidates will be adjusted within their respective social categories. “This ensures equal opportunity without disturbing existing vertical quotas,” the spokesman said, adding that the provision covers all Group ‘C’ posts under the UT Administration, except those specifically excluded through notification.

Lt. Governor Saxena emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure no talented youth abandons sporting aspirations due to financial insecurity or concerns about future employment. He noted that the reservation, combined with scholarships, cash incentives, modern infrastructure, scientific coaching, and career pathways, creates an ecosystem where talent is nurtured and rewarded without burdening families.

To maintain fairness and meritocracy, the rules introduce a dedicated Sports Merit List, ranking candidates based solely on their highest sporting achievement. The scoring matrix prioritises international medal winners, followed by achievers in Senior National Championships and National Games, Junior Nationals, Inter-University and Khelo India University Games, and various Khelo India competitions. Medal winners consistently receive higher weightage than participants without podium finishes.

“Transparency is reinforced through a three-member committee constituted by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, tasked with verifying the authenticity and recognition status of certificates, competitions, and achievements submitted by candidates,” a statement issued in Leh said. Only the single highest achievement will be considered for merit ranking, ensuring clarity and preventing inflated scoring through multiple medals, it added.

This pioneering reservation framework, rooted in Clause 5.6 of the Ladakh Sports Policy 2026, signals a long-term commitment to sporting excellence and youth empowerment in the region. It positions Ladakh as a national leader in institutional support for athletes, transforming sports into a pathway of pride, opportunity, and secure employment for generations to come. End it