Siliguri — It was a proud moment for Salesian College, Siliguri campus when 21 year old Nihal Sarkar, a first year Geography Honours student was selected to represent India in the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (Union International des Associations d’Alpinisme – UIAA) Ice Climbing World Cup at Cheongsong Korea, which was held from 15th January, 2016 to 17th January, 2016.
The world cup was organised by (UIAA) International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, Switzerland and was sponsored by The North Face, the outdoor apparel and gear company.
There were 90 participants from 18 countries with 44 of the participants hailing from Asia.
During the opening ceremony on 15th of January, India was especially welcome by the President of the Jury of UIAA, Mr. Thomas Kihr as India had participated in the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup for the first time.
It all began in August 2015, when Nihal Sarkar had visited Lahaul-Spiti, at Bara Shigri Glacier for a 30 day Alpine Mountaineering training, he had proposed to participate in the Ice Climbing World Cup in Korea to the President and the Secretary of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Col. H. S. Chauhan and Wing Commander Sudhir Kutty respectively.
“I climbed Gunthers Col (5399 m), they became impressed and satisfied and took the decision to send me to represent India in the World Cup as the first representative of India,” said Nihal Sarkar.
Among the 90 athletes from around the globe, Nihal Sarkar ranked 24th and among 44 Asian participants he secured the 12th rank. He was also declared the youngest Ice Climber in the history of the Ice Climbing World Cup and UIAA.
Located in Cheongsong, South Korea, just five hours away from Seoul, Cheongsong County (in North Gyeongsang Province) is Korea’s haven for winter sports.
Cheongsong Eoreumgol Valley (Ice Valley) is considered to be one of the best ice climbing venues in Asia. The competition site included a spectacular artificial ice climbing wall.
Nihal Sarkar, from Siliguri is an Affiliate Member at Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Director at Himalayan Bears Adventure Limited and Secretary at Himalayan Disaster Response Foundation.
Salesian College, established in 1933 by Kolkata Salesians, is the oldest college in Sonada, Darjeeling. Affiliated to the University of North Bengal the college offers 13 undergraduate courses in arts, commerce and science from both Sonada and Siliguri campuses.
The college offers Bachelor of Arts (Honour, General) Philosophy, English, Education, History, Economics, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statics, Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting & Management, Bachelor of Commerce General, Diploma in Information Technology, Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, Bachelor Degree Programme, Computer Literacy Programme, Bachelor Degree Programme (BTS), Bachelor Preparatory Programme courses.
The college also offers Career Oriented Programme in Communicative English, Computer Application, Tourism & Travel Management and Music courses.