Archive · 19 Nov 2025
India's Sport Climbers Face Financial Hurdles Ahead of Olympics
Indian sport climbers, like Kehihyulo Khing and the team led by coach Nandkishore, face financial challenges to compete internationally and lack government support.
They rely on crowdfunding and personal savings to cover expenses.
While some find jobs at climbing gyms, opportunities are limited, and they struggle to maintain a professional training lifestyle.
Indian sport climbers struggle with financial constraints to compete internationally
Lack of government support hinders Olympic-level athletes' emergence
Coach Nandkishore's team in Delhi faces daily costs and travel expenses
Former student Sachin Saroj works at a climbing gym to continue training
Limited job opportunities in the climbing community
- Who
- Indian sport climbers, coaches, and their families
- What
- Face financial challenges and lack of government support
- When
- Currently, with the Olympics approaching
- Where
- India, particularly in Delhi and Nagaland
- Why
- To compete internationally and improve the sport's infrastructure
Government Support Needed
Private Initiatives and Crowdfunding
Government Recognition and Funding
Government Support Needed
The climbing community argues that government recognition and funding are crucial for the sport's growth and to support athletes' expenses.
Private Initiatives and Crowdfunding
Some believe that private initiatives and crowdfunding can help fill the gap, reducing the dependence on government support.
- Number of years Kehihyulo Khing has been a professional climber
- 11
- Cost of climbing boots
- Rs. 6,000 - Rs 12,000
- Number of children in Nandkishore's team
- 15
- Estimated annual budget for a top athlete
- Rs 20-24 lakhs
- Number of years Kunal Singh has been climbing
- 2