VIJAYAWADA : City's youngsters -- R. Srikanth and J. Ramu -- are a cut above the rest for they love to take the challenges head-on. Against all odds, they are all set to conquer the rocky mountains, tumultuous rivers and dense jungles at the 8th international adventure sports meet to be held at Panchmarhi, a hill station in Madhya Pradesh, from February 16 to 25. As many as 16 countries are taking part in the meet, considered mother of all adventure sports.

Says R. Srikanth, a swimming coach at VMC's K. L .Rao park pool: "This meet is a strenuous one as one needs to perform many difficult as well as hazardous feats to prove the passion for adventure. This nine-day event will feature competitions in segments such as swimming, triathlon, river rafting, parasailing, water skiing, boating, valley-crossing, trekking, cycling and kayaking. Depending on the points accrued, the winner is decided."

Two-day training

Srikanth, who has participated in many triathlons and cycling meets, feels that arduous events such as valley crossing and river rafting will be of real test to the participants. "The association members will give us training for two days in certain events with which we are not familiar such as water skiing and river rafting," he added.

The NCC background for both Srikanth and Ramu has come in handy as they took part in gruelling mountain climbing stints as well as scuba diving while at college.

Which is the most difficult event? "Valley crossing is a genuine test to one's courage. The participant needs to cross two cliffs with the help of the rope and it really needs loads of guts," they say in unison.

Show of talent

Srikanth, exhibiting his endurance in water, swam a distance of 18 km from Ibrahimpatnam ferry to Kanakadurga Ghat in 2001, while Ramu, a physical education teacher in Michael Model School at Kandulapadu, covered a distance of 27 km in KC canal at Kurnool. "Long distance swimming helps us to enhance our endurance. With enhanced staying power, we can perform other events such as trekking, parasailing, cycling boating with ease," says Ramu.

The Krishna District Amateur Aquatic Association, as a token of appreciation, has come forward to render a helping hand to the adventure sports buffs by offering them some financial help.

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