J&K Climbers Shine at IMF North Zone Sport Climbing Competition with Seven Medals

Jammu, 02-12-2024: Jammu and Kashmir climbers brought pride to the Union Territory by securing an impressive tally of seven medals at the IMF North Zone Sport Climbing Competition held at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi, from November 29 to December 1, 2024. The team clinched one gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, showcasing their talent on the national stage.

Star climber Shivani Charak led the medal haul, winning gold in Lead Climbing and two silver medals in Speed Climbing and Bouldering in the Women’s category. Emerging talent Siraj ud Din from Pulwama secured a silver medal in Lead Climbing in the Sub-Junior Boys category, displaying immense potential.

Bronze medals were won by Ayaana Bhagat in Speed Climbing (Sub-Junior Girls), Kashish Bharti in Speed Climbing (Boys), and Arun Deep Singh in Speed Climbing (Men). However, the J&K camp faced disappointment when Arun Deep Singh, the reigning North Zone champion in Lead Climbing, slipped in the final round despite entering as the top performer from the semi-finals, finishing fourth. Similarly, while leading in the Speed Climbing semi-finals, an unfortunate slip relegated him to a bronze medal finish.

All medalists from J&K have been selected to represent the North Zone team at the upcoming National Sport Climbing Championship, where they aim to achieve further success.

Zorawar Singh Jamwal, President of the Mountaineering Association of J&K, congratulated the climbers for their outstanding performance and expressed confidence in their abilities to excel at the national level. He assured them of full support for their coaching and preparation, including access to international-standard climbing walls.

The 12-member J&K team, including manager Shashi Kant Sharma and coach Shilpa Charak, was sponsored by the J&K Sports Council, which facilitated their participation and success at the event.