Himachal rafting team qualifies for National Games

The state river rafting team has bagged two bronze medals during the 9th National Rafting Championship held at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand from December 27 to 30. The championship was organised by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, in which players from 19 states across the country participated. The Himachal team has, now, qualified for the National Games to be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025.

The team consisted of Gimnar Singh, an Instructor in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS); Naveen Kumar, Forest Department; Panne Lal, Education Department; and Naveen Thakur. IAnamika, Priyanka Thakur, Kritika and Sangeeta Devi were part of the women's team.

Gimnar Singh said the competition was tough because teams from the Indian Army, Air Force, Uttarakhand Police, Indian Tibet Border Police and CRPF also participated in the competition.

He said, “Players should be encouraged to participate in this adventure sport because there is a lot of scope and it becomes a source of livelihood as well.” He added that the government should take adequate steps to promote rafting.