Indian Mountaineering Foundation is the apex national body for mountaineering and allied sports. What was initially formed as the 'Sponsoring Committee of the Cho Oyu Expedition', transformed into the IMF on 5th January, 196. IMF supports, promotes and regulates national and international climbing and mountaineering in India and is affiliated to the UIAA (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation). IMF is also the regulatory body for the competitive Olympic sport of Sport Climbing and is affiliated to the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing). IMF is also engaged in mountain protection work, knowledge building and creating awareness of the Indian Himalaya.