Berwal, Natasha Crowned Champions at National Ski Mountaineering Meet in Tawang
Tawang: Anirudh Berwal and Natasha Mahar stole the spotlight, clinching top honours in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the Open National Ski Mountaineering Championship 2026 held at the scenic Penga Teng Tso Lake.
While Berwal outpaced Hilal Ahmed Reshi and Zahir Abass to secure the top podium finish, Natasha Mahar dominated the women’s field, leaving Tsering Ladol and Bilkis Hamid behind.
Held under the technical aegis of the Ski Mountaineering India Federation, the championship saw participation from top athletes across the country along with local trainees, all battling the demanding high-altitude terrain with grit and precision.
The event marked a major push to bring professional standards and safety protocols to India’s emerging ski mountaineering circuit.
The championship formed a key highlight of the Winter Adventure Tawang initiative, drawing attention to the region’s growing stature as an adventure sports hub.
Arunachal Pradesh Sports Minister Kento Jini, who attended as Chief Guest, said the event reflects the state’s immense potential in winter sports and opens pathways for athletes to compete at international levels, especially with ski mountaineering gaining global recognition.
Local MLA Namgey Tsering termed the event a milestone for Tawang, crediting it with boosting tourism and placing the region firmly on India’s winter sports map. He also acknowledged the role of various stakeholders in successfully hosting the championship.
Alongside the competition, a 10-day training programme empowered 46 local youths with skiing and snowboarding skills under expert guidance, signalling a growing grassroots base for adventure sports in the region.
The event wrapped up with a grand felicitation ceremony, celebrating both sporting excellence and the spirit of the mountains.
