Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of West Bengal, visited the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling on Sunday, becoming the first state Sports Minister to visit the country’s premier mountaineering institution since its establishment in 1954.
The visit is being viewed as a significant milestone for the institute, which is regarded as India’s apex training centre for mountaineering, rock climbing, and adventure sports. Jointly administered by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of West Bengal, HMI has trained generations of mountaineers, instructors, and adventure enthusiasts from across India and abroad.
During his visit, Dr. Khan toured the institute’s training facilities, reviewed its infrastructure, and interacted with officials to discuss its ongoing activities and future development. He also held discussions on strengthening support for mountaineering and adventure sports in the state.
Addressing officials and members of the mountaineering community, the minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting adventure sports and enhancing opportunities for aspiring climbers. He emphasized the importance of closer coordination between the state and central authorities to further strengthen the institute and preserve its legacy.
Founded in the wake of the historic first ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has long been recognised as one of India’s most prestigious centres for mountaineering education and training. The minister’s visit is expected to reinforce the state’s engagement with the institute and encourage greater institutional support for adventure sports in West Bengal.
