Get ready to zip across river!

Buoyed by the overwhelming response for adventure sports during Dasara every year, the exclusive sub-committee is back with array of events this year too.

What’s new is; treasure hunt, zip line and river crossing, besides continuing with the attractions of the previous years, working president of the sub-committee and coordinator of Nehru Yuva Kendra  M N Nataraj told media in the city on Wednesday.

Varuna lake on Mysore- T Narsipura road that has proven the best spot to host acqua
sports continues to remain the place this year too. The events include jet skiing (Rs 200 per head), kayaking (Rs 200 per head), banana ride and coracle ride Rs 30 each from October 17 to 22 from 9.30 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5.30 pm.

For aero sports, though the panel has zeroed in on Mysore Airport at Mandakalli, they are yet to get permission from the directorate general of civil aviations (DGCA). Another option is the grounds near Lalitha Mahal Palace helipad, but it’s safe for children only, Nataraj said quoting experts.

Zip line is planned at Rajkumar Park opposite Curzon Park. Here the participants will zip through the ropes tied to the trees. Artificial water body will be created for river crossing, from October 18 to 22 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Terrestrial sports

Among terrestrial sports, Chamundi Hill step climbing contest has been organised on October 20 at 6.30 am. The first three prize winners will walk away with cash prize of Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.

State-level men’s and women’s open bicycle race is scheduled on October 22 at 6.30 am from the launch point near Yashasvi Kalyana Mantapa on Mysore- Hunsur road. The distance to and fro is 50 km.

The cyclists have to take a U-turn after reaching the curve that connects Bilikere to K R Nagar. This time the fourth and fifth prize winners will also be identified. The cash prize for the first prize is Rs 25,000, followed by Rs 20,000- second, Rs 15,000- third, Rs 10,000 for fourth and Rs 7,500 for fifth.

The bicycle polo in its second year has already received 17 entries with most teams from north Karnataka evincing interest.

Nataraj was happy to share that a team from Kerala is also participating in the event. It has been organised on October 21 and 22 att Village Hostel Grounds, Manasagangotri at 9.30 am.

The other events include dirt track motor rally on October 20 at Lalitha Mahal Palace grounds at 11 am, youths from Satti village, Athani taluk in Belgaum district displaying their expertise on lifting huge stones on the premises of Brigade Horizon near Shantaveri Gopalgowda Hospital on T Narsipura road on October 19 at 2 pm.

The youths have been asking for an opportunity for the past three years and it’s a reality this year, Nataraj added. Jyothiraj alias Kotirama, an expert in climbing skyscrapers with ease will be replicating his performance for Dasara too on October 19 at 1 pm at Brigade Horizon.

Increasing demand

Replying to media queries, Nataraj said there has been increasing demand for almost all the events every year. Following this, they have requested General Thimmaiah National Adventure Sports Academy who have been conducting Dasara adventure sports to bring additional two- jet skiing, kayaking, coracle ride among other equipment.

For bicycle race alone, 450 had enrolled surpassing the anticipation of 60 and odd participants. Deputy special officer of the sub-committee and SP R Dileep, chairman Mahadev Nandish, secretary and NSS coordinating officer of University of Mysore M Rudraiah and others were present.