Bhubaneswar: A new chapter has been added to the history of mountaineering and adventure sports in Odisha. Five women members of an 11-member mountaineering team from the State successfully scaled the 20,100-foot Mount Yunam in Himachal Pradesh and hoisted the national flag on August 15.

On the occasion of Independence Day, the team created a remarkable example of patriotism and national pride by unfurling an 80-metre-long Tricolour at the summit of Mount Yunam. The moment of raising the national flag at the summit was one of immense pride and emotion for the entire team. Under the guidance of Everest summiteer Ganesh Jena and the leadership of Anita Swain, the 11-member team began its expedition on August 7 with the goal of scaling Mount Yunam. Despite the challenging Himalayan terrain, extreme altitude and adverse conditions, the team members demonstrated strong determination, discipline and teamwork. Three other members of the team also reached very close to the summit but could not complete the final ascent due to illness.

Team leader Anita Swain said, “Mount Yunam is not merely a mountain summit for us, it is a symbol of the courage, confidence and determination of the women of Odisha. Completing the expedition with zero accidents is a matter of great pride for us.” Ganesh Jena, editor of Asha and an Everest summiteer, said that extensive training, fitness, endurance and acclimatisation to high altitude were the key factors behind the achievement.

Shubhashish Tripathy, Managing Director of Sanket Communications, said, “This achievement is an inspiring example of women’s empowerment, courage, patriotism and determination. These women have taken the pride of Odisha to the heights of the Himalayas.”

Haresh Kumar Mishra, Vice-President of Asha, said, “The success of the Mount Yunam expedition marks the beginning of a new chapter in Odisha’s adventure sports sector. In particular, it will inspire women and the younger generation to go beyond their limits and dream big.”