Tawang: The “Winter Adventure Tawang 2026” training programme was formally inaugurated today at the picturesque Panga Teng Tso Lake in Tawang, marking a significant milestone in promoting organised winter sports in Arunachal Pradesh.
Set against the snow-clad Himalayan landscape, the initiative aims to nurture talent in skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities, while also boosting adventure tourism in the region.
The programme is being organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and managed by Adventure-X Fusion Tribe. It is scheduled from April 5 to 14, with participants drawn from across the state.
A total of 46 trainees are participating in the programme and will undergo intensive hands-on training in skiing and snowboarding techniques, safety protocols, and endurance development under experts from the SkiMo India Federation.
The Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, Namgyal Angmo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Col. Karan Sharma, Commander of the BRTF, attended as the Guest of Honour, along with Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Linggi, and other officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the initiative would open new avenues for the youth of the state and encourage wider participation in winter sports. She also suggested that such initiatives be institutionalised as an annual ‘winter camp’ to inspire and engage young participants.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the region, she noted that winter sports in Tawang hold immense promise, with increasing tourist interest in such activities, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of the state’s tourism sector.
On the occasion, the Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Linggi, stated that the department has, for the first time, launched training in skiing and snowboarding, recognising the strong potential for winter sports in Tawang.
He expressed hope that the initiative will elevate the sport and inspire youth to pursue skiing professionally.
The serene Panga Teng Tso Lake, known for its scenic beauty and seasonal snowfall, provides an ideal setting for high-altitude training. The programme reflects the government’s broader vision to develop structured winter sports infrastructure and promote sustainable adventure tourism in the state, Linggi stated.
Meanwhile, the President of Adventure-X Fusion Tribe, Lhakpa Tsering, termed the event a historic beginning for winter sports in Eastern India.
He expressed optimism that such initiatives would enable youths from Arunachal Pradesh to compete on national platforms such as the Khelo India Games and the National Winter Games, and eventually represent the country at the Olympic level.
As per the schedule, the 10-day intensive training programme will conclude on April 14, followed by the Open National Ski Mountaineering Championship on April 15, which is expected to attract athletes and enthusiasts from across the country.
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