Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: 'Ironman' and multi-sports personality Soughagya Kumar Rath from Odisha's Nayagarh district, on Sunday hoisted the tricolour on Europe's highest peak Mount Elbrus.
Braving heavy snowfall, extremely cold conditions and chill winds the nine-member team comprising four Russian mountaineers, two Indian mountaineers (including Rath) and three trainers, reached the top of Mt Elbrus after six-days of mountaineering. Located in Russia, Mt Elbrus is 18,510 ft (5,642 metre) high above the sea level.
Speaking to 'Prameyanews.com', Rath stated, "I am grateful to Lord Jagannath, 'Nayagarh Bikash Manch' and my employers All India Radio (AIR) for all the blessings, support, motivation and cooperation. God willing, I am keen to conquer many more prominent peaks across the world including Mt Everest in future."
Sharing his joy, he further said that hoisting the Indian National Flag on Europe's highest peak before the 77th Independence Day, was a very special moment of his life. It would always be a sweet memory for life long, Rath revealed.
Rath informed that he began his journey from his home town Nayagarh on August 4 last. The next day he travelled from Delhi to Moscow and on August 8 started his mountaineering expedition with teammates and trainers. After six days, he and his teammates reached the summit, he added.
Worth mentioning that for his sporting excellence and love for adventures, Rath was earlier successfully feted with the 'Ironman' honour. He regularly participates in marathons and is a good cricket player too.
