Ph. Sanajaoba receives the Best Climber award from youth affairs and sports commissioner L. Lakher at Minuthong on Monday. Telegraph picture

Imphal, May 24: Ph. Sanajaoba Meitei was named best climber in the 10-day Sports Climbing Training Camp conducted by Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association held at its Kangla Artificial Rock Wall at Minuthong.

The camp, sponsored by the North Eastern Council, began on May 14.

Initially meant for 30 climbers, it attracted 59 participants, divided into six teams.

Wugramsem and Wangjam Ranjit Singh were declared the second and third best climbers.

S. Nandakumar Singh, Ph. Laxmikumari Devi and Kongjengbam Sanjit Singh were adjudged as promising climbers during the camp.

Patrol number three, with nine team members, was declared the best. Gifts and certificates were also distributed.

L. Lakher, commissioner of youth affairs and sports, spoke at the graduation ceremony and said they needed to encourage the spirit of adventure.

“Though we may lag behind European countries, the training you had in the camp will be a guiding spirit,” he said, addressing the climbers.

Chief coach Y. Surchand Singh said the campers benefited immensely from the 10-day camp. The campers were also taught rope-locking and unlocking, body balance and movement and also how to prepare for competitions.

The president of the mountaineering association, L. Surjit Singh, said the NEC had sanctioned funds for 30 climbers but many more wanted to be part of the camp.

The director of the youth affairs and sports department, Bobby Waikhom, said, “We are at present scouting for a suitable place to erect an artificial rock wall at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. Threepossible sites have been shortlisted and work will begin at the earliest.”