The Genesis of MSCA
From PCMA's Vision to Climbing Milestones
The Maharashtra Sport Climbing Association (MSCA) has its roots in the Pimpri Chinchwad Mountaineering Association (PCMA), spearheaded by co-founders Mr. Surendra Shelke, Mr. Sagar Palkar, and Mr. Shrikrishna Kaduskar.
The Maharashtra Sport Climbing Association (MSCA) was founded in 2025 and was officially inaugurated on 18th June 2025, with the mission of advancing Sport Climbing across the state of Maharashtra. This development is significantly bolstered by a vital infrastructural collaboration with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
The association is the result of a shared vision championed by two key figures: Mr. Surendra Shelke, an experienced mountaineer and sport climber, and Mr. Sagar Palkar, a distinguished Everester dedicated to promoting adventure sports among youth.
Furthermore, the effective, on-the-ground execution of this vision and the subsequent rise of sport climbing in the region is largely attributed to the instrumental contributions of Mr. Shrikrishna Kaduskar.
Inauguration Ceremony
18th June 2025 - A Historic Moment for Maharashtra Sport Climbing
Pioneering the PCMC Climbing Wall
In the late 1990s, PCMA proposed the construction of a climbing wall to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Demonstrating their commitment, Surendra Shelke and his associates traveled to Bikaner to meticulously observe the West Zone Sport Climbing Championship, preparing for the upcoming project.
Their dedication culminated in 2000 with the construction of the region's first-ever competition-standard climbing wall at Annasaheb Magar Stadium, built with PCMC's support. This monumental achievement was largely driven by the "relentless drive" of Surendra Shelke, affectionately known as Surya.
Location: Annasaheb Magar Stadium, Trishul Sahakari Housing Society, Yashwantnagar, Pimpri Colony, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411018
Hosting Major Competitions
Under the combined leadership of the late Anil Khaire Sir and Surya, PCMA successfully hosted the inaugural West Zone Sport Climbing Championship in 2002, followed by the National Championship in 2005.
Developing the Pune Climbing Infrastructure
The success of the 2005 Nationals sparked an ambition for a second climbing wall, this time in Pune. Although the proposal was submitted that year, the journey to realization was arduous. It took five years of persistent follow-up and reviewing over 150 potential sites, with many rejections due to local and political unfamiliarity with the sport.
Perseverance ultimately prevailed, leading to the construction of the Raje Shivaji Climbing Wall in Shivajinagar, Pune, in 2010. Fully functional by 2012, this facility introduced significant national standards:
- ✓It became home to India's first homologated speed climbing wall.
- ✓It deployed the country's first timing device for speed climbing.
Location: Raje Shivaji Climbing Wall, Ganpathi Chowk, behind Canara Bank ATM, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005