US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
'Raw and honest': India climbers face obstacles in race to the top
Athletes say scarce sponsorship and little state support are forcing many to crowdfund, even as India’s climbing scene expands and medals increase.
- Speed climber Deepu Mallesh, 28, dreams of becoming the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics while working part-time as an instructor to fund his training and competitions.
- Aspiring athletes in India face prohibitive costs: a decent harness and pair of shoes each cost about 10,000 rupees, forcing many to rely on personal crowdfunding without government support.
- The Indian Mountaineering Foundation estimates about 3,500 climbers compete across various levels, yet only about 60 participate internationally annually despite India winning nearly 70 medals since 2002.
- Keerthi Pais, 50, of The Indian Mountaineering Foundation is negotiating to recognize climbing under the National Sports Governance Act, which Pais noted would secure essential funding and infrastructure.
- Commercial gyms provide essential training infrastructure; Mumbai-based Shaiv Gandhi from The Indian Bouldering Company said facilities like his have catalyzed growth as athletes pursue the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Insights by Ground AI
34 Articles
34 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources34
Leaning Left2Leaning Right7Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
C 64%
R 28%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
