Uttarkashi: The 26th National Sport Climbing Championship kick-started at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi on Friday. On the first day of championship, qualification rounds of lead, speed and bouldering activities were held in different age categories. The three-day long event was inaugurated by Rekha Arya, sports and youth welfare minister, in the presence of Suresh Chauhan, Gangotri MLA, Harshwanti Bisht, president Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and other dignitaries. While addressing the gathering, the cabinet minister said, “Besides cricket, hockey and badminton, the sports department will now focus on climbing which has become an olympic sport.” The minister also urged people to hoist the national flag at their homes on Independence day.
Colonel Amit Bisht, principal of NIM, said, “Over 170 climbers from five zones (north, south, east, west and north east), the Army and paramilitary are participating in this event. Climbers, who have been divided in senior, junior and sub-junior categories, will compete in bouldering, speed and lead climbing events. Best players will get a chance to represent the country in events like Asian and Olympic games.”