New Delhi, Apr 16(UNI) The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) Water Sports and Adventure Institute (WSAI) was inaugurated by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat on Friday.
Appreciating the contribution of Himalayan border guarding force to the service of the nation, he said that in view of ITBP's glorious history and long experience in the field of adventure sports, the state government as well as the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has signed an MOU with ITBP for running this institute and to develop it as a tourist destination as well.
Extending best wishes to Force’s DG and his team for successfully running the institute, he also highlighted that the contribution of Force during any natural calamity with utmost devotion and dedication in the state.
The Chief Minister also said that opening of this institution will boost national and international tourism and it will increase opportunity of employment for the people of Uttarakhand.
Mr Rijiju highlighted the achievements of ITBP in adventure sports and also wished for the successful management of the institute in the coming years.
He also said the Sports Ministry will be looking forward to assist in many such endeavors in future in the field of adventure sports in the country.
On this occasion, ITBP DG SS Deswal thanked the Uttarakhand Government and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) for entrusting the responsibility of Water Sports and Adventure (WSAI) of Tehri Dam to ITBP for the next 20 years.
Mr Deswal further said that ITBP's Mountaineering and Skiing Institute (M&SI), Auli, will independently run this institution and that the institute will impart the training in Aero, water and land related sports and adventure sports including Kayaking, Rowing, Canoeing, water skiing, Paragliding, Parasailing, Scuba Diving, Paddle Boating, Speed Boating, Kite Surfing, Jet Skiing.
The Institute has targeted to train at least 200 youth in water sports at this institution every year. Currently, three ITBP teams - Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing - have been deployed here and 59 players have been getting training here.
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