Bengaluru, Karnataka, India | 14th October 2025: For the first time in history, the Indian flag proudly flew at the World Masters Orienteering Championship (WMOC), as Bengaluru’s Sayeesha Sridhara Kirani represented India at the prestigious event held in Girona, Spain. The championship was organized by the Catalan Orienteering Federation (FCOC) and sanctioned by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF), Sweden.
India’s First Representation in a Century-Old Global Sport
Competing against more than 3,000 athletes from 50 countries, Sayeesha made history as the first and only Indian athlete ever to participate in this renowned global event. Orienteering — often called the “Thinking Sport” — challenges both physical endurance and mental agility, blending navigation and athletic performance.
What Is Orienteering? The Global ‘Thinking Sport’
Originating over a century ago in Sweden, Orienteering combines speed, stamina, and strategy. Participants navigate unfamiliar terrains using a specialized map and compass, racing across forests, cities, mountains, and even snowy or aquatic landscapes.
The sport includes multiple disciplines such as Foot-O (Sprint & Forest), MTB-O (Mountain Bike Orienteering), Kayak-O, and Ski-O, with age categories spanning from under-10 to 100 years.
Recognized globally for its role in enhancing cognitive skills, leadership, and decision-making, Orienteering is part of the World Games and is being considered for future Olympic inclusion.
Sayeesha Sridhara Kirani: Pioneering India’s Orienteering Journey
“Standing at the start line in Spain as the only Indian gave me goosebumps,” said Sayeesha Sridhara Kirani. “This journey is bigger than me — it’s about writing India’s story in Orienteering. I believe that with the right support system, India can nurture world-class athletes and compete at the global level.”
Under Sayeesha’s leadership, NthAdventure Orienteering Club has been at the forefront of promoting Orienteering in India. The organization regularly conducts training programs, races, workshops, and awareness initiatives to build a foundation for the sport.
In 2024, NthAdventure’s athletes brought home one Gold and two Silver medals at the Indonesia Orienteering Championship, and proudly represented India at the Asian Orienteering Championships in Thailand and Singapore.
The Road Ahead: Building an Indian Orienteering Ecosystem
“NthAdventure has been working tirelessly to grow Orienteering in India — not just as a sport but as a powerful tool for youth development, adventure tourism, and life-skills education,” said Ajita Madan, Founder of NthAdventure.
“Sayeesha’s historic participation proves India’s potential in Orienteering. Our next goal is to develop athletes for future Asian and World Championships, host international-standard events in India, and prepare for the World Games 2029. With the right government and community support, India can become a strong global contender.”
NthAdventure is currently training Indian athletes for upcoming events, including the Indonesian Orienteering Championship, the Abu Dhabi Open Masters Games – Orienteering, and the 4th Edition of Namma Adventure Race in Karnataka.
The organization is inviting brands, institutions, and partners to collaborate in empowering youth through adventure sports and representing India on the global Orienteering stage.
Join the Movement: Support Orienteering in India
Orienteering in India is still in its early growth phase, but the enthusiasm and talent are undeniable. NthAdventure invites schools, colleges, corporates, sports clubs, and government bodies to join hands in nurturing this emerging sport.
📍 Learn more or get involved: www.nthadventure.com
