Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Renowned adventure enthusiast and veteran journalist Yambem Laba was elected yesterday as a Member of the Governing Council of the *Indian Mountaineering Foundation* (IMF) during the Foundation’s elections in New Delhi. The IMF serves as the national apex body overseeing all mountaineering, aero‑sports, water sports and sports‑climbing activities across India.
A celebrated figure in Manipur and beyond, Laba is the architect of the MMTA model that has driven the spread of adventure sports in the region. In 1987 he received the *Ashoka Fellowship* from the Ashoka Foundation, Washington, USA. He previously chaired the Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association (MMTA). At 70, he remains vigorously active in the adventure community.
