SHILLONG: An all-girl team of the Meghalaya Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Association (MeRCMA) successfully completed the “Advance Mountaineering Course” at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling from October 17 to November 10.
Three members of MeRCMA, Kayleigh Petra Nongkynrih of Synod College, Enifer Rowena Nongkynrih of Lady Keane College and Roiwanki Suchiang of Shillong College were awarded ‘Grade A’ on the successful completion of the course which is a prerequisite for international mountaineering expeditions. Significantly, Kayleigh also received the ‘Best Technical Award’ overall.
In the rock climbing event, Enifer pipped her sister Kayliegh to take the top slot, while Roiwanki secured the third position.
During the 25-day course, trainees had to climb and summit any peak above 18000 ft, train in high altitude navigation and orientation, learn pacing and movement on rock, ice and snow, use of rope and develop leadership qualities and team spirit.
All the three climbers are members of NCC, Shillong Group and they were sponsored by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt. of Meghalaya.