SHILLONG: Eight climbers of the Meghalaya Rock Climbing and Mountaineer-ing Association, who at-tended the Advance and Ba-sic Mountaineering Course at the Himalayan Mountain-eering Institute, Darjeeling, were awarded Grade A, the highest grade given by the Institute for their performance in the courses.
This course was held from April 7-May 5 and was sponsored by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The trainees were required to climb to at least 17,000 feet in the basic course and 18,000 feet in the advance course.
The trainees were required to be physically and mentally fit and have a positive and adventurous attitude. The trainees were trained in techniques such as pacing and movement on rock, snow and ice, use of ropes, high altitude navigation and orientation.
The three trainees in the Advance Course were: Overmoon Suchiang (1st in men’s rock climbing), Teiboklang Wanniang and Ngandarihun Sohshang (2nd in women’s rock climbing and best technical award in the women’s category).
The five trainees in the Basic Course were: Bakordor Umsong (2nd in men’s rock climbing), Roiwanki Suchiang (3rd in women’s rock climbing and 4th in cross country), Verisha Maring (4th in women’s rock climbing and 4th in cross country), Enifer Rowena Nongkynrih (2nd in cross country and 3rd in rock climbing) and Kayleigh Petra Nongkynrih (1st in rock climbing).