Mingkeng Osik

Pasighat, Jan 20: A significant milestone in the field of adventure sports has been achieved as a combined rafting team of 28 members, including 20 from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) and 8 from Arunachal Pradesh, embarks on a groundbreaking 916-kilometre rafting expedition along the Siang River. This journey, set to establish a new world record, began on January 14, from Gelling in Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, and will conclude in Hatsingimari, Dhubri district, Assam, before continuing through Bangladesh.
Today, the team paused for rest and arrived at Pasighat around 2PM, a strategic stop on their journey, where the Arunachal team will conclude their participation after an enriching and challenging rafting experience. The NIMAS team, however, will continue their journey, heading towards Assam and eventually Bangladesh, in pursuit of setting the world record.
One of the team members, reflecting on their experience, shared, "It was both an enjoyable and incredibly tough journey. We flipped five times in the rough waters, but we never gave up.Each time we were tossed into the river, we got back on the raft and kept going.The experience taught us to stand strong, no matter the challenge.”
The Arunachal team led by APWSA President Nino Dai , spoke proudly of the rigorous training they had undergone with NIMAS, which prepared them for the demanding conditions of the Siang River. Their journey deepened their connection to the river and allowed them to showcase their courage and skills on this platform. 
"Rafting on the Siang River was both a challenge and a privilege," said another team member. "This river is a part of our heritage, and to be part of something as monumental as this world record attempt is a deeply fulfilling experience.”
Their journey took a pause break at PSG where the day marked by a warm reception from local officials. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tayi Taggu, Superintendent of Police (SP) Pankaj Lamba, and members of the APWSA greeted the rafting teams at the Siang River spot, expressing their support for this record-setting expedition. The officials were pleased to provide the teams with a wholesome lunch, further fostering the sense of camaraderie and regional pride in this historic endeavour. In addition to expressing their admiration for the teams' bravery and skills, the DC emphasized the importance of promoting the Siang River and its surrounding areas as a prime destination for watersports tourism. 
He assured the teams that efforts would be made to enhance infrastructure, raise awareness, and support initiatives that could turn the Siang River into a prominent adventure tourism hub. This commitment highlights the region's potential to draw global attention and contribute to both local and national tourism development.
As the NIMAS team continues its journey toward setting the world record, under the leadership of Ranveer Jamwal, Colonel cum director of NIMAS , their skill and commitment have been pivotal to the success of this historic expedition. Colonel Jamwal’s extensive experience and guidance have not only ensured the team's progress but also helped raise awareness about the Siang River's potential for adventure tourism.
With strong backing from the Arunachal Pradesh Water Sports Association (APWSA) and local authorities, including the recent support from Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who flagged off the expedition, there is a growing recognition of the region's natural beauty and adventure potential. This expedition is poised to position Arunachal Pradesh as a top destination for rafting and outdoor sports. The NIMAS team's achievements, led by Colonel Jamwal, will undoubtedly inspire future adventurers and help solidify the Siang River as a global hotspot for water sports.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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