NEW DELHI: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Friday flagged in the First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition that achieved a record feat by summiting 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh within 23 days.
The expedition marked the first recorded summits of 20 unclimbed peaks in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range.
The 20-member team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, was led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal.
Interacting with the expedition members at the flag-in ceremony at Kartavya Bhavan-2, Rajnath Singh commended their courage, determination and teamwork, describing the achievement as a demonstration of India’s mountaineering capabilities and leadership in adventure sports.
The Defence Minister said the successful ascents had set new benchmarks and would inspire young mountaineers across the country to pursue adventure and exploration. The expedition, according to the Ministry of Defence, showcased planning, technical expertise, endurance and teamwork while highlighting India’s capabilities in high-altitude mountaineering.
The expedition was organised to promote adventure and exploration in high-altitude frontiers and inspire future generations of mountaineers. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior Ministry of Defence officials were also present at the ceremony.
