Context: Recently, Union Defence minister flagged off India's first multi-dimensional adventure sports expedition in France, organised by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS). 
Key Points

• The expedition was conducted in November 2021 and the team was led by Director NIMAS Colonel Sarfaraz Singh, comprising 12 people - eight Army personnel and four youths of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The expedition team carried out over 250 kilometres of winter trekking in the Alps Mountain Ranges, which included Tour De Mont Blanc trek covering the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
• The paragliding crew completed 19 jumps/flights from various peak points on the Alps to the valley bottom. It was followed by 975 kilometres of riding across France, Switzerland, and Belgium from the Alps Mountain Ranges to the English Channel near Dunkirk. 
• The cycling exercise took place in bitterly cold conditions, with the team cycling for an average of 9-10 hours each day without the use of a logistic truck.

About National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports

• It is an advanced sports training institute located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It operates under the control and superintendence of the Ministry of Defence.
• The institute offers training across land, air and water, a first of its kind that allows civilians to experience challenges across a variety of outdoor surfaces as well as pursue a career in adventure sports. It provides structured training to defence personnel as well.