Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, has been voted as an associate member of the prestigious International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA).
One of the top mountaineering institutes in the world, ABVIMAS was voted in as an associate member of the federation at the general assembly held in Banff, Canada on October 29. The membership will be effective from January 1. This association with the federation will not only provide international recognition to the institute but it will be useful for skill exchange and updation of the training techniques to keep the institute and mountaineers of the country at par with the international standards of mountaineering.
ABVIMAS director Avinash Negi said, “The association was long awaited. We freshly applied for it with revitalised interest. After careful deliberation, the UIAA general assembly has voted positively for us. This membership will help us in our aims of always improving, advancement in the field of mountaineering, international recognition of our meticulously designed training programs, efforts for environmental protection and more.”
He said the candidates of the institute can have the honour of representing India at various international climbing competitions held by the UIAA. He said ABVIMAS had trained thousands of people in mountaineering techniques from India and abroad. The government institute has many sub-centres across the state.
International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, known as Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA), is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland. Major mountaineering associations and clubs of a large number of countries including the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Italy and Pakistan are already its members. Indian Mountaineering Federation, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are its old members.
About UIAA
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) was founded in 1932 and has a global presence on six continents representing 90 member associations and federations in 67 countries. The UIAA promotes the growth and protection of mountaineering and climbing worldwide by preserving their spirit and traditions, advancing safe and ethical mountain practices, promoting responsible access, culture and environmental protection and supporting youth participation and the Olympic movement.
As the leading global network, it promotes climbing and mountaineering and advocates for access to climbing areas and mountain ranges. While looking to the future, UIAA values our heritage and cares for the mountains, their fragile ecosystems, vulnerable communities and cultures. It serves the best interests of its member federations and of the worldwide community. Its motto: For the climbers. For the mountains. For the World.
About ABVIMAS
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in India. Earlier, ABVIMAS was known as “Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute”. Founded September 16, 1961, by the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the institute has played a pioneering role in bringing Manali, Himachal Pradesh to the world map as a paradise for adventure lovers.
The institute has been conducting adventure activities like Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Trekking, Adventure Camps, Skiing, Water Sports, Aero Sports, Mountain Biking and Mountaineering Expeditions for decades now with its sub-centres spread across the state. ABVIMAS is proud to have a faculty of qualified and professional instructors and officials, having a number of prominent peaks, including Mount Everest, to their credit. ABVIMAS also plays a pivotal role in conducting rescue missions throughout the state and also conducts Disaster Management and Search & Rescue training for professionals.
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