"They pushed me off a moving train, but they couldn’t push me out of my destiny." Arunima Sinha, the first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest
Times of India
by TOI LIFESTYLE DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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Arunima Sinha, a former national-level volleyball player, defied unimaginable odds to become the first woman amputee to conquer Mount Everest. In 2011, she was horrifically injured after being pushed off a moving train by thieves attempting to steal her gold chain. The incident left her with severe injuries, including the amputation of one leg and multiple spinal fractures. Despite the physical toll, Arunima channelized her pain into purpose, vowing to prove her resilience by scaling the world’s highest peak.
After her recovery, Arunima faced societal skepticism and even accusations that she had attempted suicide due to financial struggles or family rejection. These claims only fueled her determination. She sought inspiration from Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to summit Everest in 1984, who believed in Arunima’s potential. With limited mobility and a prosthetic leg, Arunima embarked on an arduous journey of training for the climb. Her physical challenges were immense—simple tasks took hours, her prosthetic slipped frequently, and doubts about her ability to succeed lingered. Yet, through sheer determination and relentless effort, she transformed herself into a formidable climber.
The final ascent to Everest’s summit was fraught with danger. Arunima encountered treacherous ice fields, freezing temperatures, and the ever-present risk of altitude sickness. Despite her Sherpa’s urging to turn back during the critical Hillary Step, she pressed on, driven by years of emotional and physical struggle. Her unwavering mindset—“disability is not physical; it’s mental”—became her guiding principle. By summiting Everest in 2013, Arunima shattered stereotypes and proved that determination and resilience can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Arunima’s story is a testament to human potential and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Her journey inspires readers globally, particularly those interested in tales of triumph over hardship. As a symbol of hope and resilience, her ascent not only redefined what
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026