Bhubaneswar: Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Odisha, Vishal K Dev flagged off the fourth Biju Patnaik Himalayan Expedition 2019 at Kalinga Stadium here on Monday.
Congratulating and wishing the team of young climbers a successful expedition, the Sports Secretary said, “The expedition is going to be exciting and challenging for the young climbers. Biju Patnaik Himalayan Expedition is an annual programme started by the Department of Sports and Youth Services in 2016 to commemorate Biju Patnaik Birth Centenary Celebration.”
The expedition aims at instilling values of adventurism, discipline, team spirit and leadership among youths, he said
He further said that the selected candidates have to pass through a fitness test as the Himalayan region offers tough terrain and endurance, fitness and strength is key.
The 4th Biju Patnaik Himalayan Expedition to Mt Stock Kangri (20,187 ft) in Leh region, is being planned from September 12 to 24 with technical support from Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF).
The two-level ‘Selection-cum-Preparatory Camps’ were held earlier to finalise the expedition team.
The final team consisting of 10 boys and five girls will leave for the expedition under the leadership of everester Ganesh Chandra Jena.
It will be headed and guided by legendary Mountaineer Bachendri Pal.
Programme Officer from the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Haresh Kumar Mishra, will accompany the team up to base camp in Leh for smooth coordination of the programme.
