‘Sherpa of the Year’ conferred on Nirmal Purja
Kathmandu: Union of Asian Alpine Association (UAAA) has conferred this year’s international “Sherpa of the year” award for mountaineering on Nirmal Purja.
Nepal Mountaineering Association Chairman Santabir Lama in a virtual program due to Covid-19 on Friday gave away the ice axe and 1000 US dollars in cash along with the credentials.
Purja is the mountaineer who created the world record of having ascended the world’s 14 peaks above 8000 meters in the shortest time of 6 months and 6 days.
Purja took pride in being conferred with the award. He said he could get this award for the hard work done by his expedition team.
Last year, the same award was given to Mingma David Sherpa. He is the mountaineer who climbed all 14 peaks above 8000 m. He was indicative of the fact that mountain guides were discouraged for not getting support even during the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
UAAA General Secretary Christine KM Pae said the mountains have become a bond of integration for humans. He also hoped that he would meet with Nepalese physically and not through virtual sessions.
Speaking on the occasion, the advisor of NMA Ganesh Gurung said there is the fear of desertification of the mountains in near future. He cautioned against upheaval created due to the migration of people for various reasons though mountains are important.
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