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Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in collaboration with Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) recently organised 1st all India sports lead climbing competition in Nowgam. A two-day event witnessed the participation of 103 climbers from 22 states of India who participated in various categories including sub-junior, junior, men and women categories.

The competition was adjudged by the group of professionals from various parts of India.

The event was inaugurated by Rigzian Sampheal, Secretary of tourism. Col HS Chauhan, President, IMF, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director of tourism amongst others who were present on the occasion.

Speaking about the event, Chauhan said that climbing sport is now an Olympic game, which will be introduced in 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo. He said three events in Speed, Bouldering and Lead are held in the championships. In Kashmir we are organizing Lead only while as Speed and Bouldering are organized at other destinations, he said adding there are seven zones of IMF.

Speaking on the occasion, Sampheal said that in the coming days, Tourism Department will sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IMF so that some fruitful thing will come out of it. While thanking the participants for coming to Kashmir to participated in the competition, Sampheal asked them to share their experiences with their friends and fellows once the go back to their respective states.

Director of Kashmir tourism confirmed that the department has been training local climbing enthusiasts for such events. “We have trained local boys and girls who have imparted skills in sports climbing for past few years. The best among them were given fresh training for past three days who are participating in this championship,” he said.

Source: travelnewsdigest.in