New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 25 flagged in a mountaineering expedition that summited 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh in 23 days, in what the Ministry of Defence described as the first-ever recorded summits of 20 such peaks in the region. The 20-member team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, was led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal.
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The climbs were made in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range. The expedition was organised to promote adventure and exploration in high-altitude frontiers and encourage future generations of mountaineers.
Interacting with the team at the flag-in ceremony in New Delhi, Singh commended the climbers’ courage and determination, describing the achievement as a demonstration of India’s mountaineering capabilities and leadership in adventure sports. He said the successful ascents had set new benchmarks and could inspire young people across the country to take up mountaineering and exploration.
The Ministry said the expedition required detailed planning, technical expertise, endurance and teamwork. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior Ministry officials were also present at the ceremony at Kartavya Bhavan-2.
The achievement highlights NIMAS’s role in undertaking challenging high-altitude expeditions and showcases India’s mountaineering expertise in remote and demanding terrain.
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