Shillong: The District Sports Office in Tura, in partnership with the District Administration and the Meghalaya Sports Climbing and Mountaineering Association (MSMA), successfully concluded a pioneering two-day awareness program focused on the exhilarating sports of rock climbing and mountaineering.
The event unfolded at the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre, marking a significant step towards popularizing adventure sports within the region.
Over eighty eager students from various schools across Tura actively participated in this groundbreaking initiative. The program was meticulously designed to provide a foundational understanding of essential climbing and rappelling techniques, alongside familiarizing the young participants with the specialized equipment utilized in these demanding yet rewarding activities.
An experienced team of four experts from Shillong, representing the MSMA, spearheaded the training camp. Their expertise was evident in the engaging hands-on training sessions, interactive dialogues, and captivating practical demonstrations that left a lasting impression on the attending students and onlookers alike.
An unexpected highlight of the program was the remarkable display of innate talent by several students. On the very first day, many participants exhibited exceptional agility and unwavering determination in the climbing exercises, astounding the seasoned trainers despite their complete lack of prior experience in the sport. The accompanying teachers voiced their profound pride and joy in witnessing their students not only participate but also excel in such a challenging endeavor.
Saljagring M. Marak, the District Sports Officer for West Garo Hills, expressed his profound satisfaction with the program’s success. He remarked, “This marks the first time such an awareness camp has been organized in the Garo Hills. The remarkable enthusiasm and rapid learning displayed by the students are truly commendable. I firmly believe that with the right guidance, we have the potential to nurture athletes who can compete at the international level from this very region.”
Buoyed by the positive response and the evident potential, concrete plans are now being formulated to establish a dedicated rock climbing and mountaineering club within the Garo Hills. This proposed club will benefit from the expert mentorship of Mr. Wallambok Lyngdoh, the General Secretary of the MSMA and a highly experienced mountaineering trainer. Mr. Lyngdoh, who is currently leading the training camp in Tura, brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, including having trained personnel of the Indian Army in high-altitude terrains such as the Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir.
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