Shimla- The stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as river rafters from across Asia converge on the picturesque Pandoa village nestled along the banks of the Satluj River in Sunni in the outskirts of this capital city.
Today marks the inauguration of the much-anticipated Asian River Rafting Championships, a spectacle that promises to test the mettle of seasoned adventurers and thrill-seekers alike in the raging rapids of the Satluj river.
Kick off by Chief Minister Mr. Sukhwinder Singh from The Ridge here today, the championship would give a new push to adventure tourism here. 
The rafters would take part in the contests from March 3 to March 9, 2024, in the Pandoa area of Sunni near Shimla.
DC Shimla Anupam Kashyap said the district administration has made all arrangements for the success of this prestigious event, positioning Shimla's adventure sports tourism on the international platform.
These days, the tourist influx is sluggish and is expected to be picking up due to the snow in the higher reaches of Narkanda, Baghi, Kharapathar, Khirki and Chharki uphill of Shimla.
The event, spearheaded by adventure sports promoters Mountain Goat in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh tourism department, aims not only to showcase the exhilarating sport of river rafting but also to bolster tourism across the region.
Participants gear up to negotiate the raging rapids of the Satluj River, ranging from the challenging Class 3 torrents from Pandhoa to to Sunni.
Unlike the daunting Class 4 rapids reserved for seasoned professionals in Bashar, the route from Pandora to Sunni offers a thrilling yet relatively manageable adventure.
It is punctuated by icy cold temperatures that add an extra layer of excitement to the competitors.
"This championship has attracted river rafters from across Asia, underscoring the growing allure of adventure sports in the region," remarked a spokesperson of the championship.
Indeed, enthusiasts from neighboring countries have flocked to Shimla to pit their skills against the raging currents, showcasing the international appeal of this heart-pounding competition.
As rafts plunge into the gurgling waters, participants brace themselves for a wild ride through nature's playground- the Staluj river.
With every twist and turn, the river reveals its untamed spirit, testing the skills of the crews.
Asian River Rafting Championships promise to be a spectacle of thrills, chills, and frills, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human endeavor against the backdrop of Satluj's fury.
As the competition unfolds, one thing is certain - in the swirling currents of the Satluj River, adventure awaits those brave enough to seize it, said a river rafter Anil Shaink.
