The feeling of pride and joy as we witness the Jalur Gemilang being held up at the summit of the world’s second highest mountain, K2 in Pakistan can easily tear us, Malaysians up. To make this story even more nostalgic is the remarkable effort of the climber who despite losing his limbs did not prevent him from conquering the mountain.
Most recently, national climber T. Ravichandran has become the first Malaysian to hoist the Jalur Gemilang at the summit of the world’s second highest mountain, K2 in Pakistan and proved that disabilities are not an excuse to stop one’s mountain climbing journey. Endurance at its best!
On 22nd July, the 57-year-old along with five other world-class solo climbers who were accompanied by five sherpas (mountain guides), conquered the 8,611 metre-high K2 at 10.50am local time.
Ahead of Malaysia’s forthcoming National Day celebration, Ravichandran said his achievement is his gift to the nation as he emphasised his love for Malaysia as the motivation behind his journey.
Love for the country, living in peace and harmony, these are the keys to unity instilled in me that proved to be a source of strength for me in facing difficulties throughout the climb – T. Ravichandran
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He thanked his wife, mentioning she was the pillar of strength in his success and he also did not forget to thank his family and friends for their prayers, sponsors and Malaysians that inspired him to reach the summit.
Furthermore, he stated despite his disability, it didn’t deter him from excelling and that his instance showed that even someone with a disability could become strong and compete with those who are normal.
“It is not impossible to rise again after falling. That’s the experience I gained from my climb on this expedition. This is my gift to the people of Malaysia. Merdeka!” Ravi expressed.
The Malaysian national climber conquered the summit of the highest peak in the world, Everest alone in 2006, 2007, and last May 12, 2022.
During the second-year expedition on 2007 when he reached the top of the highest mountain in the world once again, this is when he lost the tips of eight of his fingers due to frostbite and had to be later amputated.
However, the disability did not restrict this determined man from conquering the mountain.
Thank you for continuing to inspire us with such amazing accomplishments sir!
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