Darjeeling, Nov. 3 -- Darjeeling is set to host its first ever national ranking sport climbing championship, with around 200 climbers from across the country expected to participate in the Darjeeling Climbing Cup 2026, scheduled from November 4 to 6.
This national event is being organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI,) Darjeeling, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
"Initially we want to include Darjeeling in the Sports Climbing map of the country with the aim of establishing Darjeeling as the climbing capital of India. We want to promote local as well as talents from the north east region. We also want to develop HMI as a centre of excellence in the avenue of sports climbing. The three day championship is being organised with these aims in mind" stated Colonel Rajneesh Joshi, Principal, HMI.
The competition will feature lead and speed climbing events across four categories - Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and senior divisions, bringing together emerging young talent and experienced climbers on a national platform.
The inaugural ceremony, scheduled for November 4 at 3 pm, will be attended by Dr Indranil Khan, Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal, as the chief guest. Bharat Chettri, Olympian, former Indian hockey captain and MLA of Kalimpong, will be the guest of honour.
Other distinguished guests include Nisha Gurung, a national-level hockey player; Shihan Sushan Thapa, former international karate champion; and Nisha Routh, an international kickboxing champion who has represented India.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.