The North News
Spiti, August 26
The Indian Army has concluded two high-altitude events in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley, combining adventure sport with cutting-edge technology to promote endurance, innovation and community engagement. Under Operation Sadbhavana, the Army hosted the second edition of the Surya Spiti Challenge marathon and the maiden Surya Dronathon 2025 at Sumdo, located at 10,500 feet. The events brought together soldiers, citizens and innovators in one of India’s most remote frontiers.
More than 1,500 participants took part in the Surya Spiti Challenge, including 800 locals, 700 armed forces personnel and 32 elite athletes. The marathon featured four categories, ranging from a 10 km sprint to the gruelling 77 km Kunzum La–Kaza Ultra.
Naik Het Ram won the men’s ultra-marathon in 6 hours 22 minutes, while Tenzin Dolma triumphed in the women’s categories, winning both the ultra and the full marathon. Veterans and young athletes alike made their mark, underscoring the spirit of determination at high altitude.
Running from 10–24 August, the Surya Dronathon 2025 was billed as India’s first high-altitude drone competition. Teams from the services, startups, and private firms competed in challenges ranging from drone racing to obstacle navigation in extreme Himalayan conditions.
Officials said the event highlighted India’s ambition to develop indigenous drone technology for military use. It also gave innovators a platform to test solutions in real-world operational environments, reinforcing the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Senior Army commanders, including Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta and Lt Gen D G Misra, praised the events for strengthening civil-military ties, inspiring youth and showcasing the potential of India’s technological base.
“The marathon brought people together to see border areas as hubs of opportunity, while the Dronathon demonstrated how innovation can directly support national security,” one official said.
The twin events marked a symbolic fusion of tradition and technology — from footsteps pounding Spiti’s rugged trails to drones buzzing across Himalayan ridges. Officials described them as a testament to resilience, unity and nation-building in one of India’s highest regions.
