The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) hosted a grand reception today to honor eight Nepali climbers who have recently set record-breaking achievements upon their return from Tibet, China. Among the celebrated climbers was NMA’s 2nd Vice President, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, who made history as the first Nepali woman to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, completing her achievement with a successful climb of Mt. Shishapangma last week. The event also highlighted 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa, who became the youngest climber in the world to summit all of these peaks, and Nirmal Purja, who set a record as the fastest person to scale the 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen.
The climbers were welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) by NMA President Nima Nuru Sherpa, along with other dignitaries, before heading to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) for a formal felicitation program. Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, lauded their accomplishments and announced the establishment of a welfare fund for mountaineers. He recognized the climbers’ bravery and contributions to Nepal’s global reputation as a destination for world-class mountaineers. The minister also expressed optimism that the government would soon lift restrictions on certain areas of Nepal, enhancing opportunities for future climbing expeditions.
During the event, Nirmal Purja voiced concerns about the lack of support from government agencies for promoting Nepal’s adventure tourism. He emphasized his personal efforts to attract high-level tourists and expand the sector, despite facing bureaucratic hurdles. Purja also addressed personal criticisms about his identity, asserting his commitment to Nepal, while thanking those who supported his endeavors. Both Purja and Nima Rinji Sherpa expressed gratitude to the NMA and all attendees for their recognition and continued support.
