Jispa sub-centre to be hub of adventure sports training
The Mountaineering Sub-Centre at Jispa, located at an altitude of 3,300 metres in Lahaul-Spiti district, is set to become a hub of adventure sports training with the establishment of a new obstacle course. This course is aimed at improving both physical and mental fitness of individuals and is one of a kind facility in the district. The introduction of the obstacle course is part of a larger initiative to promote adventure sports and develop skills among the youth of the region.
Avinash Negi, Director, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, emphasised the importance of the new facility. He said, “The initiative will help promote adventure sports in Lahaul-Spiti and provide young people with training they need to excel in outdoor sports. In future, we plan to offer professional mountaineering and skiing courses to further enhance the skills of adventure lovers from this region.”
The new obstacle course will be an integral part of the training at the Jispa centre, offering a challenging yet rewarding environment for individuals to test their endurance, agility and mental toughness. Institute in-charge Mohan Naju highlighted that the centre is designed to provide not just physical training, but also valuable knowledge and skills that will help youth pursue careers in adventure sports and tourism.
“This is a golden opportunity for the youth of Lahaul, as the institute will help them develop important skills that will benefit them in various fields,” Naju said.
Negi said, "At present, a batch of 60 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers is attending a 10-day adventure camp at the Jispa centre from November 5 to 14. The camp includes a range of activities designed to challenge and develop the volunteers'' skills in mountaineering and outdoor survival. This is part of the institute’s broader efforts to encourage young people to engage with adventure sports and take advantage of the training available at the centre."
"This year, the institute has made significant strides by organising its first-ever basic mountaineering course at Jispa, marking a milestone in the centre's history. The course has attracted 393 trainees from across the region, all of whom have gained valuable skills in various adventure sports. The success of these programs is paving the way for future courses and the centre is rapidly becoming a key player in the development of adventure sports in Lahaul-Spiti," he added.
Negi said, "The Jispa Mountaineering Sub-Centre is positioning itself as a key training facility for aspiring mountaineers, skiers and adventure sports enthusiasts in Himachal Pradesh. With focus on skill development, the centre is creating opportunities for the youth of Lahaul and Spiti to excel in sports and tourism, while also contributing to the growth of the region’s adventure tourism industry."
