SRINAGAR : In a first-of-its-kind move among Union Territories, Ladakh has approved 4 per cent horizontal reservation for outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group ‘C’ non-gazetted government posts, officials said on Wednesday.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the reservation under the new Ladakh Sports Policy, 2026, with the administration subsequently notifying the Union Territory of Ladakh Outstanding Sportspersons (Horizontal Reservation in Direct Recruitment to Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Posts) Rules, 2026.
Officials said Ladakh is the first and only Union Territory to provide a fixed 4 per cent reservation for sportspersons in government jobs. While several states and UTs offer incentives or benefits under sports quotas, they do not provide a specified reservation of this nature.
The reservation will apply horizontally across all vertical reservation categories and cover direct recruitment to Group ‘C’ posts under the UT administration, except posts specifically excluded through notification.
Under the rules, “Outstanding Sportspersons” will include those who have represented their state or country in recognised national or international competitions, medal winners in Senior and Junior National Championships, and medal winners in Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Winter Games, Khelo India Para Games and Khelo India University Games. Eligible sportspersons who have represented their universities in recognised Inter-University competitions, along with eligible chess achievers under prescribed Department of Personnel and Training provisions, will also qualify.
The rules have been framed under Clause 5.6 of the Ladakh Sports Policy, 2026, which was approved by Saxena on August 1.
The administration said the reservation framework gives greater weightage to higher-level sporting achievements and medal-winning performances. A separate Sports Merit List will be prepared for eligible candidates, with inter-se merit determined according to the level of competition and sporting achievement.
International medal-winning performances will carry the highest weightage, followed by achievements at Senior National Championships and National Games, Junior National Championships, Inter-University and Khelo India University Games, and Khelo India Youth, Winter and Para Games. At each level, medal winners will rank above candidates who have only represented their teams without winning a medal or securing a position.
The rules also provide for verification of sporting credentials. The Department of Youth Services and Sports will constitute a three-member committee to assist the recruiting agency or appointing authority in verifying the authenticity and recognition of certificates, competitions and achievements submitted by candidates.
Only the highest sporting achievement of a candidate will be considered for the Sports Merit List, with no additional weightage for multiple medals or positions.
“The initiative is aimed at ensuring that no talented youth in Ladakh is forced to give up sporting aspirations because of concerns about financial support or future employment,” Saxena said.
He said the government was working to create an ecosystem where sporting talent could be recognised, nurtured and rewarded through government job reservations, scholarships, cash incentives, modern infrastructure, scientific coaching and career opportunities.
“The 4% reservation for sportspersons in government jobs is a long-term commitment to our youth, providing an institutional support system to help them excel in sports,” the LG said.
