150 participants for World Cup of Climbing

Events include Lead Climbing, Bouldering and Speed Climbing.

Participants and officials at the IFSC World Cup Sport Climbing, to be held at CIDCO Convention Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.

The IFSC World Cup of Climbing 2017, featuring 150 climbers from across the world, including Indians, will be held over the weekend at the CIDCO (City Industrial Development Corporation) Exhibition Centre in Vashi. The IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) has 86 member federations across five continents.

Events include Lead Climbing (climbers have eight minutes and the athlete reaching the highest point is declared the winner), Bouldering (climbers have to complete routes set on a four-metre wall in designated time and the one who completes the most routes is the winner) and Speed Climbing (fastest over 15 metres climb is adjudged winner).

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) headed by Col. Chauhan is the host, with efforts being coordinated by Brig. Yadav, Chairman, Sport Climbing, IMF West Zone. Girivihar Mountaineering Club will be conducting the event. The 2017 edition is supported by Tata Trusts and Bajaj Electricals.

Col Chauhan said: “Sport Climbing has grown in popularity here, simultaneously with the increase of climbing walls across the country. Now that it has been granted the status of an Olympic sport we are confident that there will be a bigger spike in the interest levels.”

Christophe Billon, Sport Delegate, IFSC said: “Our sport is growing rapidly all over the world and welcoming new cities into our calendar is another sign of this impressive trend. The potential for sport climbing in India is tremendous.”