SHILLONG: Two climbers of the Meghalaya Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Association (MeRCMA) were awarded “Grade A”, or the highest grade given by mountaineering institutes, on completion of the Basic Mountaineering Course in Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling.
The course which required trainees to climb at least 17,000 ft was held from September 13-October 10.
The climbers from MeRCMA, Pilaster Nongsiej of Mawlangwir, Mawkyrwat and Shining Star Kharakor of Shillong, were nominated by the Association to attend the course.
Nongsiej also secured the first position in rock climbing. The training was sponsored by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.