On the afternoon of the 23rd, just after losing his title as the oldest person to summit Everest, 82-year-old Nepali man Min Bahadur Sherchan finally received climbing permission from the Nepalese government and a sponsorship of 1 million rupees (approximately $11,200).
Nepali man Min Bahadur Sherchan
Padhi, the spokesperson for Nepalese Prime Minister Regmi, told Xinhua News Agency, “Today the cabinet meeting has decided to provide Sherchan with 1 million rupees in sponsorship to support him in defending the world record he set.”
On the morning of the 23rd, the record Sherchan set at age 76 years and 340 days for the oldest Everest summit was broken by 80-year-old Japanese mountaineering veteran Yuichiro Miura, who successfully fulfilled his dream of reaching the summit three times after turning 70.
Sherchan left the capital Kathmandu for Everest on May 3. That same day, spokesperson Padhi told reporters that the government had not yet reached any decision regarding funding Sherchan.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency before his departure, Sherchan said he wasn’t climbing for personal glory, and that while the government should sponsor him, the delay in making a decision forced him to lobby and borrow money.
If Sherchan succeeds again, it would be a major boost for the Nepalese government, which is preparing to grandly celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first human ascent of Everest.
On the 22nd, the Nepalese government officially announced a series of events from May 26 to 30 to celebrate the special occasion of May 29, including a seminar on combating global warming at Everest Base Camp, a photo exhibition, a large-scale parade featuring various celebrities, and the presentation of honorary medals to Everest record holders, among other activities.
Currently, Sherchan, who is at Everest Base Camp, faces serious challenges. After all, he is 82 years old, and whether his health is strong enough is questionable. Moreover, the “weather window” for climbing Everest this season will end on the 25th, leaving him with little time for good weather.