Nadaun to host National rafting marathon

Hamipur, September 24

Deputy Commissioner Debasweta Banik here on Friday said a four-day National Rafting Marathon would be held from October 4, in which about 30 teams from across the country would participate. She said so far, 23 teams had registered for the event that included eight women teams.

The DC said exclusive events, including men, women and mixed teams, would be organised. She said the district administration would provide best facilities for the successful organisation of the event on the waters of the Beas, to open new vistas for tourism and adventure sports in the district.

World Rafting Federation (WRF) president Danilo Barmez, while extending his wishes to the organisers through digital mode, said: “I am pleased to know that Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its 50th anniversary of statehood and wish all the best to all organisers, teams and officers. May the best teams win the rafting marathon.” He said the event was to be organised in 2020 but due to the pandemic, it was postponed. He said the WRF was thankful to the Himachal Pradesh Government for selecting Kullu for the 2022 event.

Meanwhile, the DC said the ethics committee of the WRF had urged the participants to strictly follow the WRF ethics code that included gender equality, fair play, safeguarding dignity of participants and respect local laws, including local culture, customs and religious beliefs.

She said the administration had given preliminary rafting training to about 80 rafters, including 20 women. The DC said those who perform well would be sent for advance training to the state mountaineering institute in Manali. — OC