Discovery to cover Indian Army women's Everest bid

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Discovery Channel is set to produce a programme on the Indian Army's women's expedition to Mount Everest this summer.

This is the first time an army women's contingent is attempting to scale the Everest summit from the South Ridge route. The route was used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

"The Indian Army has appreciated the efforts of Discovery Channel to undertake the coverage of such an expedition for the first time. Such coverage...will provide a platform for future joint ventures with the Discovery Channel on issues related to sports and adventure in the Indian Army," Lt. Gen. S.P. Tanwar, AVSM, director general of military training, Indian Army, said in a statement.

The production team of the channel will follow the expedition to capture the gruelling attempt on the summit by a group of seven Indian Army women officers.

The first army women's team to scale Everest in 2005 had approached from the North route via Tibet.

"Discovery Channel is delighted to cover this unique and distinguished expedition by Indian Army's women officers. We are committed to present stories of success and achievement from India to audiences around the world," said Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager - South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

The team is led by Col. Ajay Kothiyal, KC, SC, VSM, and includes seven Indian Army women officers: Capt. Deepika Rathore (Rajasthan), Capt. Namrata Rathore (Uttarakhand), Capt. Prachi R. Gole (Maharastra), Maj. N. Linyu (Nagaland), Maj. Neha Bhatnagar (Rajasthan), Capt. Poonam Sangwan (Haryana), and Capt. Smitha (Karnataka).

The programme is expected to be aired this year.