In a landmark decision aimed at securing the financial future of young athletes and elevating sports as a viable career, Ladakh has officially become the first Union Territory in India to implement a fixed 4% horizontal reservation for outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment for government jobs.
The statutory reservation was approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena under the framework of the new Ladakh Sports Policy, 2026. Following the approval, the UT administration notified the Union Territory of Ladakh Outstanding Sportspersons (Horizontal Reservation in Direct Recruitment to Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Posts) Rules, 2026. “ Proud to announce a historic milestone for our youth.
Ladakh is now the first UT in India to provide a statutory 4% reservation for Outstanding Sportspersons in government jobs for Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted posts” LG said in a post on X.
LG said that Along with assured scholarships, cash incentives, and modern infrastructure envisaged under the New Ladakh Sports Policy, the new reservation framework would ensure that no talented athlete in Ladakh should ever have to give up their sporting dreams due to financial or future employment concerns. “ Aligned with PM, Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global sports powerhouse, the UT Administration is firmly committed to creating an ecosystem where sporting excellence leads to both national pride and a secure career” .