Bhubaneswar, March 19: Rock climbing, crawling the spider web, Burma Bridge walking and many more thrilling activities attracted youngsters from different walks of life to the adventure camp conducted at a Khandagiri-based resort today.

About 50 youngsters took part in the exhilarating activities, which was organised by National Adventure Foundation along with the ministry of sports and youth affairs, government of India.

Initially nervous, the youngsters soon picked up confidence and enjoyed the challenges of climbing a high wall or balancing and walking on thin rope.

“I loved Burma Bridge walking. It was tough to balance and walk initially, but then I had fun. Completing each activity gave me a sense of confidence,” said Jharana, a participant.

“Adventure sports have a great following in the state and the interest of the youth must be boosted since it is essential for holistic personality development,” said Brigadier Ravi Kumar, executive director of the foundation.

“One also needs to take calculated risks during such activities, which help in decision making,” added Kumar.

Coaches and guides at the foundation said this was one of the few regions that had potential in all forms of adventure sports. “There are rivers, lakes and the sea, making it ideal to hold water sports. Hills and mountains make it a perfect place for trekking. If provided with proper infrastructure, adventure sports in the air can also be organised.”

However, not much has been done to boost adventure sports, which can also promote tourism. Rabindra Kumar Bhuyan, director of National Adventure Foundation, Odisha Chapter, said: “Infrastructure such as the Chilika water sports facility lies unused. It can easily be developed for adventure sports.”

When asked about the inclination of the youth in Odisha towards adventure sports, Bhuyan said: “When our chapter was launched here in 2006, we used to approach youth clubs and colleges. But guardians would not allow youngsters citing the risk involved. Now, we have over 100 events throughout the year.”

“Last August, we were to hold a camp here for over 800 school and college students along with the state sports and youth affairs. But the government cancelled their association and the event was stalled,” added Bhuyan.

Do you think introducing a few adventure sports as part of school and college syllabus would encourage more youngsters to take part in them? Tell ttorissa@abp.in