Ropar, Punjab (National Times): In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, six-year-old Teghbir Singh from Ropar has scaled Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. Standing at 18,510 feet (5,642 metres) in Russia’s Caucasus Mountains, the peak is known for its extreme weather, with temperatures often plunging to -10°C.
Teghbir began his summit expedition on June 20 and successfully reached the peak on June 28. He received official recognition from the Mountaineering, Rock Climbing and Sports Tourism Federation of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (Russia), which issued him a certificate declaring him as the youngest summiteer of Mount Elbrus in the world at 6 years, 9 months, and 4 days.
With this accomplishment, Teghbir has surpassed the previous world record held by Wagah Kushagra from Maharashtra, who reached the summit at the age of 7 years and 3 months.
“My Shoes Were Heavy, But I Had Practiced”
A class 2 student, Teghbir reflected on his experience saying, “I was walking for the first time on snow. My shoes were heavy, but I had practiced it back.” His ability to navigate snowy terrain while carrying gear such as crampons, harnesses, and oxygen support is being widely praised, given the physical demands placed on a child so young.
A Journey of Preparation and Discipline
Teghbir’s parents, Sukhinderdeep Singh and Dr. Manpreet Kaur, have played a crucial role in his journey. His father, an administrator at a hospital in Ropar, accompanied him on the expedition and revealed that preparations for the climb began almost a year ago.
“He was trained under the guidance of retired coach Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, focusing on cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity to combat altitude sickness. Weekly treks across hilly terrain became a part of his routine,” said Sukhinderdeep.
Dr. Manpreet Kaur, a gynecologist, emphasized the role of nutrition in his success. “He followed a strict diet plan set by the coach, which was key to building strength and stamina.”
Not His First Summit
This is not Teghbir’s first record-setting achievement. In August 2024, he became the youngest Asian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, earning him entries in both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records. Earlier in April 2024, he had trekked to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, further showcasing his mountaineering mettle.
A Young Trailblazer
Despite the harsh alpine environment, including carrying equipment that added nearly 3–4 kg to his body weight and staying in low-oxygen zones for a week, Teghbir showed resilience beyond his years.
His incredible feat not only places him in the record books but also serves as an inspiring story of what discipline, support, and courage can help even the youngest climbers achieve.
Teghbir Singh is now a name that will echo in mountaineering circles for years to come — a symbol of the undying human spirit and the limitless potential of youth.
