Event to Continue Till November 4; 200 Players from 13 Countries Participate
Pimpri Chinchwad:
The IFSC Asian Climbing Championship 2025, being hosted for the first time in Pimpri Chinchwad, opened with great enthusiasm and celebration. The grand inaugural ceremony saw the participation of players, dignitaries, and citizens from India and abroad, filling the atmosphere with excitement. The event began with the release of balloons into the sky by the dignitaries, symbolizing the official start of this historic championship.
This prestigious competition is jointly organized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and the Maharashtra Sport Climbing Association (MSCA). The championship is taking place from November 1 to 4, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Climbing Complex, Yoga Park, Pimple Saudagar. Around 200 young athletes from 13 countries are competing in this event.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by several notable 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 Srikrishna Kaduskar and Sagar Palkar (Concept Designers, Climbing Center).
Speeches and Highlights
During the ceremony, MLA Shankar Jagtap said,
“It is a matter of great pride that Maharashtra is hosting the IFSC Asian Climbing Championship for the first time, and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is part of this historic event. This championship provides a world-class platform for athletes from Maharashtra and India. The Corporation will continue to fully support such international sporting events in the future.”
Cultural Performances and Traditional Welcome
The program began with an energetic dance performance to the song “We Will Rock You,” setting a lively tone for the evening. A graceful Kathak performance added a touch of Indian culture to the event. The beats of dhol-tasha drums reverberated through the air, and the audience joined in with applause as Punjabi musicians performed upbeat rhythms.
Artists dressed in vibrant traditional attire brought a festive and artistic touch to the inauguration ceremony.
Honoring Heritage and Progress
Kirti Payas, Secretary of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, remarked:
“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 not just a sport—it’s a tribute to our history and tradition.”
Col. Vijay Singh added:
“Hosting an international-level climbing championship in India is a great achievement. This event will boost the confidence of Indian climbers and give them exposure to Olympic-level competition.”
Surendra Shelke, President of the Maharashtra Sport Climbing Association, said:
“The Climbing Complex built in Pimpri Chinchwad is among the most advanced training centers in the country. It will help Maharashtra produce world-class climbing athletes.”
