9-year-old boy bags PM Bal Puraskar for mountaineering

Hyderabad: Virat Chandra, a nine-year-old boy from Telukunta of Hyderabad, Telangana, won the Prime Minister Bal Puraskar in Sports for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Asian News International (ANI) reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the boy through Twitter and said the boy climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at a young age. He wished Virat to attain greater heights and for his future endeavours.

Virat Chandra told ANI that he used to run six to seven kilometres a day along with doing sit-ups, Suryanamaskar and meditation. While climbing the mountain, it was very cold, but he kept his focus on the summit point despite his body aches, he said. He had overcome many challenges during his ascent, including extremely cold weather, finger pain, hand pain, leg pain etc. Further, he said that he is planning to participate in the Australian Summit and climb Mount Kosciuszko. The trek would be after the border restrictions are lifted.

Virat's father, Sarath, told ANI that he and his wife were scared when they first came to know about Virat's passion for mountaineering. But after witnessing what he gained through a good trainer, they became convinced and felt confident in Virat's dream.

Virat's mother, Madhavi, said she also wished to go along with him to the Summit, but she has breathing problems. When Virat returned to base camp, she broke down, she said. She explains how excited Virat was after his feat. She further noted that mountaineering at very young ages is difficult but added that all parents would let their children pursue their dreams.