A 5-year-old Punjabi boy claimed a phenomenal achievement, by becoming the first youngest Asian to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, which has a height of height of 19,340 ft, (5895m). Teghbir Singh from Ropar, Punjab created history by commencing his trek journey on August 18.
On August 23, he reached Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point. Teghbir’s triumph equals Ognjen Zivkovic’s world record, a Serbian boy who reached the mountain on August 6, 2023, at the same age.
In a conversation Teghbir stated, “I knew where I was to reach and finally made it. I have a picture there with my father. I was told to enchant ‘Waheguru’ when it got difficult on the way. It gave me strength and I was able to reach the peak.”
The trek group included Teghbir, his father Sukhinderdeep Singh, two guides and two support staff. They all stayed in temporary tents and took the Machame Route, to reach the height in 6 days.
The trek to Mt. Kilimanjaro, posed various obstacles like altitude sickness and low oxygen. Despite the minus 10-degree Celsius temperature, the boy prevailed over the challenges and accomplished his dream of reaching the summit. Teghbir was preparing for the trek for nearly a year, said his father Sukhinderdeep Singh.
The young mountaineer is a 1st standard student of Shiwalik Public School, Ropar. Teghbir acknowledges his coach Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, for his success, and his supportive family.
How Tegbhir Singh Prepared before setting the record?
It was not a cup of tea for the boy to achieve this feat. He passed through various training and practiced trekking for nearly a year. To cope with the altitude sickness, he improved his cardiovascular health and increased his lung capacity. He also underwent training by going on weekly treks with his father and coach.
During his ascent, Teghbir endured severe cold conditions and thin air, while walking 8-10 kilometers per day. The team encountered setbacks, including having to postpone their first attempt to reach the summit, due to inclement weather and a snowstorm. Nevertheless, they succeeded in reaching the summit on their second try.
Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Teghbir’s mother and a gynecologist stressed the importance of diet in her son’s preparation. She pointed out that he followed a rigorous eating plan set by his coach. Tegbhir also accomplished the Mount Everest base camp trip, prior to this in April, showcasing exceptional determination.
Following his successful feat, the conservation commissioner of Tanzania National Parks, including Kilimanjaro National Park honored Tegbhir with a mountain climbing certificate.
Teghbir will return to India on 30th August 2024. He has set a benchmark for the young generation. DGP Punjab Police praised the young achiever on X (formerly Twitter). The post mentioned, “Teghbir’s determination and resilience are an inspiration to us all. May his achievements motivate others to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness.
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