Darjeeling is set to host the Calisthenics World Cup for the first time in India where nearly 50 international athletes will compete next month.
Calisthenics, a relatively new sport in these parts but popular in the West, involves a competitive performance of various events with elements of rhythmic gymnastics and ballet and tests a participant’s strength, flexibility, balance and control.
Apart from the Calisthenic World Cup, a national-level Slackline Championship will simultaneously be held in the hill town.
Slackline involves trying special ropes from two ends and performing various events. The national slackline tournament so far was largely confined to major cities like Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.
Of the 200 participants who have registered for both calisthenics and slackline events between April 1 and 7.
Around 50 participants will come from abroad for calisthenics. Twenty-five local residents will take part in both the events.
The Indian contingent for the Calisthenics World Cup will also be finalised after an initial competition on Day 1 of the event.
The competitions are being organised by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institution (HMI) in collaboration with Rush Media, an event management agency, under the banner of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
“The Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav — The Rush Fest 2022, is being organised to celebrate 75 glorious years of Indian Independence and promote the spirit of adventure among the youths,” said Group Captain Jai Kishan, the principal of the HMI.
The Calisthenics World Cup is supported by the World Street Workout & Calisthenics Federation (WSWCF) and National Calisthenics Association of India. “Some of the jury members will come from these organisations,” said Group Captain Kishan.
Plans are also afoot to organise some demonstrations at tourist sites like Chowrasta, Tiger Hill and Tenzing Rock to make the events popular.
“Darjeeling has huge potential for adventure tourism. We hope that the fest goes a long way to promote adventure tourism,” said Group Captain Kishan.
