ITBP troopers to ski down Everest, eye world record
By IANSWednesday, August 12, 2009
NEW DELHI - Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday flagged off a 28-member team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) that aims to create a world record by skiing down the slopes of the Mount Everest - a first such attempt in the world.
Chidambaram said this attempt will be an inspiration for all Indians.
The team has experienced mountaineers and skiers. The skiing from the Everest top by them will be a world record in itself,” ITBP Director General Vikram Shirvastva said.
He said the expedition, lead by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harbhajan Singh, would establish base camp at a height of 17,500 ft, the camps one, two and three will be at 19,500 ft, 21,000 ft and 23,500 ft respectively, while the summit camp will be at a height of 26,300 ft.
In the past, ITBP men have scaled the Everest six times, but this is the first time they are attempting to ski down, facing grave danger and extreme difficult conditions.
