“It is not the will to win that matters, everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that matters” with this strong words the first WRF Asian Rafting Championship in history take off today. After months of preparation we are in northern India, in the capital and the largest city of the Himachal Pradesh state: Shimla.
100 rafters from 8 countries walked on the historical streets surrounded by the colourful hills of the city. “Among these beautiful countries, we are happy to welcome the teams from Nepal and Tajikistan, competing at a WRF event for the first time” Mr Shaukat Sikand, President of the Indian Rafting Foundation announced.
The teams are 21 in total and are ready to paddle in Satluj river, which waters will decide, through the downriver, slalom and RX categories, the first WRF Asian Champions ever.
Mr Hadi Ghazi from Iran, on behalf of World Rafting Federation, thanked and congratulated every athlete for the effort that everyone put in order to be here today: “21 teams here today demonstrate the great unity of our continent that is growing, through and thanks to the challenges of the river. Also, the presence of a consistent number of Men, Women and Mix teams is a satisfying result for WRF”
Finally the General Officer of the Indian Army Mr Manjinder Singh officially opened the games declaring “it is not about winning or losing, it is about enjoying and learning. Good luck rafters, compete in the spirit of a great game.”
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