Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu

Kathmandu, May 22: Russian mountaineer Rustam Nabiev has created history by becoming the first double amputee to climb Mount Everest using only his arms and without prosthetic limbs.

Nabiev, a former paratrooper who lost both his legs in 2015, successfully scaled the world’s highest peak on May 20 during the ongoing spring climbing season in Nepal.

Sharing the achievement on social media, Nabiev posted a photograph from the summit holding a plaque that read: “To those who thought that life ended after the fall. Rustam Nabiev, Everest 2026.”

In his post, he said he reached the summit at 8:16 am Nepal time and dedicated the accomplishment to his supporters across the world.

“On May 20, at 8:16 am Nepal time, for the first time in the history of mountaineering, for the first time in human history, I, Rustam Nabiev, reached the summit of Everest using only my arms,” he wrote.

He added, “I dedicate this ascent to everyone watching me. With this act, I simply want to say one thing: as long as there’s life left in you, fight. Fight till the end. It’s worth it.”

Khim Lal Gautam, field office coordinator at Everest Base Camp, confirmed the successful climb and said Nabiev was descending safely towards the base camp.

Nabiev lost both his legs after a military barracks building collapsed while he was sleeping in 2015. Following the life-altering incident, he turned towards adventure sports and mountaineering as part of his recovery and determination to overcome adversity.

His remarkable feat has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many users calling him an inspiration and symbol of courage and perseverance.

Several users hailed his achievement as proof that determination and inner strength can overcome even the greatest challenges.