Rafiq Shaikh Patel is the first policeman from Maharashtra to scale Mount Everest.
Highlights
- Rafiq Shaikh Patel is the first cop from Maharashtra to scale Everest
- He's also among the first to scale Everest in two years after the quake
- In his last attempt, he narrowly escaped an avalanche after the quake
Among the first people to have scaled Mount Everest in two years, Rafiq Shaikh Patel of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, has created quite a record. Rafiq also happens to be the first policeman from Maharashtra to have reached the peak of the highest mountain in the world.
This, however, was not his first attempt. After an unsuccessful journey till one of the Everest base camps last year, Rafiq and his fellow mountaineers narrowly escaped an avalanche, caused as a result of the deadly Nepal earthquakes. But this setback could hardly crush Rafiq's spirit as he promised to return a year later, and he remained true to his words, indeed.
Rafiq trained for years to scale the peak.
Not just months, but years of gruelling training, are what helped Rafiq achieve this feat. His brother, Ashfaq Patel testifies as he says that Rafiq used to work and exercise every day. "His daily workout included driving a 25 kg-sandbag on a cycle from Aurangabad to Daulatabad, climb up the Daulatabad fort with it, come down and report to his duty at 9:30 am. For the last 4 to 6 years this has been his schedule continuously."
Rafiq was among the first to scale Everest after the two-year break due to the Nepal earthquake.
His parents and colleagues are very proud. "We were very happy when we were told that our children have reached Everest," said his father Tahir Patel.
Rafiq's boss, the Superintendent of Police of Aurangabad, Navinchandra Reddy said, "He used to practise mountaineering on duty too. When he was on duty in Khultabad, he would seek permission from seniors in case he had some problems, but would always continue with his training."