Haryana may enjoy notoriety for its regressive attitude towards its women folk, but twin-sisters from this state have done India proud by becoming the fastest South Asians to complete what’s known as the Explorers Grand Slam in mountaineering.
Haryana’s two daughters, Tashi and Nungshi Malik, already enjoy the feat of being the first twin sisters to climb Mount Everest together, reports PTI.
The 24-year-old twins achieved this feat by climbing the highest peaks in all seven continents and reaching the North and South Poles on skis.
Only one other South Asian has completed the feat before the twins and he too happens to be an Indian. Satyabrat Dam, an ex-Indian naval officer is now a professional adventurer.
Sharing her experience, Nungshi, the younger twin said, “The feat was a tough one, but worth the effort. There were times when it was difficult even to stand, but we stay put. Where there were many reasons for us to stop, there was only one to keep us going…our passion.”
However, this amazing feat came at a price. The twins said that their expeditions had put their parents in debt as they did not receive any financial assistance from the government.
“Mountaineering is a great sport but it has put my parents in debt. Though we scaled many heights for our country, not even a single penny has been provided by the government,” they were quoted as saying.
These young achievers recently met the minister of state (home), Kiren Rijiju. The described the meeting very fruitful and added that “our chances of getting sponsors are bleak, but we are hopeful after Rijiju sir’s words of appreciation.”
