top of page

By:

Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Olympic Speed Climbing Champion Sam Watson to Visit Mumbai

Mumbai: When Sam Watson sprints up a 15-metre wall, the world seems to slow down. The 19-year-old American speed climber, an Olympic medallist from Paris 2024 and current world-record holder at 4.64 seconds, has become the face of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. On November 2, he will trade competition arenas for Mumbai’s High Rock in Powai, offering a rare day of workshops and conversations with India’s burgeoning community of climbers. Speed climbing, once a fringe pursuit of...

Olympic Speed Climbing Champion Sam Watson to Visit Mumbai

Mumbai: When Sam Watson sprints up a 15-metre wall, the world seems to slow down. The 19-year-old American speed climber, an Olympic medallist from Paris 2024 and current world-record holder at 4.64 seconds, has become the face of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. On November 2, he will trade competition arenas for Mumbai’s High Rock in Powai, offering a rare day of workshops and conversations with India’s burgeoning community of climbers. Speed climbing, once a fringe pursuit of mountaineers, now stands as one of the Olympics’ most electrifying disciplines. The sport demands not just power and agility but precision measured in hundredths of a second. Watson, often hailed as the greatest speed climber of all time, has repeatedly rewritten the record books. His visit marks a milestone for India’s fledgling climbing scene. High Rock, the city’s first commercial climbing facility, opened its walls in December 2024 and has since drawn more than 10,000 enthusiasts. It represents the country’s growing fascination with vertical sports and a reflection of a global shift toward adventure and athleticism fused with technology and training science. During his visit, Sam Watson will conduct Masterclasses for both Kids and Adults, offering a rare opportunity for amateur climbers to learn directly from a global champion and experience his unmatched energy and technique up close. Watson will be joined by Matt Groom, the Official Lead Commentator for the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). Known as the voice of IFSC World Cups and World Championships, Groom will host a 30-minute talk at High Rock on ‘The Evolution of Climbing in Competitive Sport.’ His insights promise to provide a deep look into the transformation of climbing from niche adventure to Olympic spectacle. Event: Sam Watson, Olympic Medalist and current World Record holder at High Rock Date: November 2, 2025 Location: High Rock, Powai, Mumbai

The Descent Troubleshooter!

Balasaheb Thorat

Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat suddenly assumed a central role amidst the imbroglio within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and in a couple of days the things seem to have been sorted out. The leaders, who were busy giving statements against each other, came together and announced that there were only minor differences over seat sharing which they would do away with it very soon.


Thorat has been playing such role of trouble shooter within the state Congress party for most of the past five years when major senior leaders had fled the party. Born on February 7, 1953, Thorat’s political journey began in the 1980s when he was first elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Sangamner constituency in Ahmednagar district. Since then, he has been re-elected multiple times, showcasing his strong connection with the electorate and his ability to address their concerns effectively.


One of Thorat’s most notable roles has been as the Revenue Minister of Maharashtra, a position he has held multiple times. His tenure in this role has been marked by significant reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the state’s revenue system and ensuring transparency and efficiency in its operations. Thorat’s leadership in this capacity has earned him respect and recognition from both his peers and the public.


In addition to his role as Revenue Minister, Thorat has also served as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. This position has allowed him to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s legislative agenda and holding the government accountable for its actions. Thorat’s ability to navigate the complexities of opposition politics while maintaining a constructive approach has been a testament to his political acumen and maturity.


Thorat’s leadership style is characterized by his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and ability to build consensus. He is known for his inclusive approach, often seeking input from various stakeholders before making decisions. This has helped him build a broad base of support within the party and among the public. Thorat’s commitment to social justice and equitable development has also been a defining feature of his political career. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and has worked tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard in corridors of power.


Beyond his political achievements, Thorat is also recognized for his contributions to the cooperative movement in Maharashtra. He has played a key role in the development and growth of cooperative societies in the state, which have been instrumental in improving the livelihoods of many rural communities. Thorat’s personal life is marked by his humility and simplicity. Despite his significant political stature, he remains approachable and grounded, often engaging with his constituents and addressing their concerns.

Comments

bottom of page