IFSC Asian Climbing Championship Kicks Off with Grandeur in Pimpri Chinchwad

Pimpri Chinchwad, Correspondent

The IFSC Asian Climbing Championship 2025 opened in Pimpri Chinchwad on Friday with a vibrant ceremony marked by enthusiasm, cultural performances, and international participation. This is the first time the prestigious continental event is being hosted in the city.

 Organized jointly by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and the Maharashtra Sport Climbing Association (MSCA), the championship runs from November 1 to 4 at the state-of-the-art Climbing Complex in Yoga Park, Pimple Saudagar. Nearly 200 athletes from 13 countries are competing in various climbing disciplines.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Shankar Jagtap, Nanasahab Kate (former Opposition Leader, PCMC, BJP), Col. Vijay Singh (IMF, Retd. VSM), Kirti Payas (Secretary, IMF South Asia), Vilas Padal (Deputy Commissioner, PCMC), Dr. Radhika Patil, Vijay Kumar Khorate (Additional Commissioner, PCMC), Surendra Shelke (President, MSCA), Kirti Shetty (Secretary General, IFSC Asia), Rakesh Isin (Secretary, IMF), and climbing complex designers Srikrishna Kaduskar and Sagar Palkar.

‘A Proud Moment for Maharashtra’

“It is a matter of great pride that Maharashtra is hosting the IFSC Asian Climbing Championship for the first time. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is honored to be part of this historic event, which provides a world-class platform for our athletes. The Corporation will continue to support such international sporting events in the future,” he said. - MLA Shankar Jagtap

Celebrating Culture and Sport

The opening ceremony featured a series of energetic performances — including a dynamic dance to ‘We Will Rock You’, a classical Kathak piece, and powerful dhol-tasha beats that electrified the crowd. Punjabi musicians added further rhythm and color, while artists in traditional attire offered a festive welcome to participants from across Asia.

Carrying Forward a Legacy

IMF South Asia Secretary Kirti Payas highlighted Maharashtra’s historical connection to climbing.

“During the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra gave the world the heritage of fort climbing. Today, through modern sport climbing, we are carrying forward that same legacy. This championship is a tribute to our history and tradition,” she said.

Col. Vijay Singh emphasized that hosting an international climbing event in India is a major step forward.

"This championship will inspire and prepare Indian climbers for Olympic-level competitions,” he remarked.

MSCA President Surendra Shelke added that the new Climbing Complex in Pimpri Chinchwad is one of the most advanced facilities in India.

“It will help Maharashtra nurture and produce world-class climbing athletes,” he said.

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