Five-year-old Teghbir Singh from Ropar in Punjab has become the youngest ever from Asia to scale the 5,895-metre Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, located in Tanzania.
“I knew where I was to reach and finally made it. I have a picture there with my father. I was told to chant ‘Wahe Guru’ when it got difficult on the way. It gave me strength and I was able to reach the summit”, an elated Teghbir said over the phone.
The trek needs preparation to tackle altitude sickness. Yet, the boy managed to conquer all challenges and fulfilled his dream of reaching the summit, where the temperature was minus 10 degrees Celsius.
After the climb, he received the mountain climbing certificate issued by conservation commissioner of Tanzania National Parks, including Kilimanjaro National Park.
His father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, who accompanied him, said, “Teghbir started preparing for this feat almost a year ago. He was trained by Ghuman, who coached him with exercises related to increase cardiovascular health and increase lung capacity. He would go on weekly treks with his coach and me to different hilly locations.”
His mother, Dr Manpreet Kaur, who is a gynecologist, said, “Diet played a major role in Teghbir’s journey. He followed a strict diet schedule as laid down by his coach.”
In April this year, Teghbir completed the Mount Everest base camp trek.
He will be returning to India on August 30.
