After scaling the over 19,000-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro last year, students of the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS) have set higher goals, literally. This time, they have set their sight on Mt. Elbrus in Russia.
A team comprising Class VIII students Sidratul Muntaha, B. Ravi, D. Bhaskar and Shaik Feroz that conquered Kilimanjaro is now training under the watchful eye of physical education expert Someshwar for the new mountaineering expedition.
“Since we are under-age to climb Mount Everest, we have decided to climb Mount Elbrus,” says Sidratul, whose father is a farmer. “It was difficult to climb Kilimanjaro, but we did it. So, I think we can scale Elbrus,” he adds.
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As a part of their rigorous programme, the foursome is now being trained in endurance and speed. A ‘cross-country’ run of about 5km once a week is a part of their schedule. As is ‘hill training’, which entails climbing at Naubat Pahad on which one can find the Birla Temple.
Touching upon their diet, Mr. Someshwar says, “They are given eggs, chicken, mutton and fish. This is a specialised diet. Apart from that, all exercises will lead to the strengthening of muscles, lower limbs, joints of the knees and ankles.”
The students are now looking forward to their training at Bhongir Fort rock. There, they will be trained in grappling, methods of holding ropes and grip techniques.
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The students’ parents couldn’t be prouder. Bhaskar’s mother, D. Anusha, a single parent, says, “We are thankful that the opportunity has been given to us by TMREIS. We want our children to be successful.”