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‘Mountaineering prodigy’: Kaamya Karthikeyan batters -30°C winds to become youngest Indian to ski to South Pole, wins hearts

The Indian Navy applauded Kaamya Karthikeyan’s achievement, describing it as a ‘moment of immense pride and inspiration’.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Dec 31, 2025 10:19 AM IST

An alumna of Navy Children School, Kaamya Karthikeyan has already built an impressive record in extreme adventure (Image source: @indiannavy/X)

Kaamya Karthikeyan, the daughter of an Indian Navy officer, has etched her name in the record books by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the world to ski to the South Pole. The 18-year-old reached the South Pole on December 27 after completing a challenging 115 km trek on foot.

Applauding her achievement, the Indian Navy described it as a “moment of immense pride and inspiration,” highlighting her grit and determination in overcoming one of the harshest environments on Earth. Enduring temperatures that dropped to -30°C and battling gale-force winds, Karthikeyan hauled a sledge carrying all her expedition supplies to successfully finish the journey.

“The #IndianNavy congratulates Ms Kaamya Karthikeyan @KaamyaSahas, 18-year-old daughter of a naval officer and alumna of the Navy Children School #NCS, who scripted history yet again by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest female in the world to ski to the #SouthPole,” the Indian Navy wrote on X.

An alumna of Navy Children School, Karthikeyan has already built an impressive record in extreme adventure. She is currently pursuing the Explorers Grand Slam, one of the world’s toughest adventure challenges, which requires climbers to summit the highest peak on each of the seven continents and ski to both the North and South Poles.

“The #mountaineering prodigy is on a quest to become the youngest person ever to accomplish the Explorers Grand Slam – an ultimate adventure to climb the highest peak on all seven continents and ski to both the poles,” the post added.

Karthikeyan has already completed the Seven Summits Challenge, including a successful ascent of Mount Everest from the Nepal side. With that feat, she became the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman globally to conquer the world’s highest mountain.

Extending its traditional salute, the Navy wished her continued success and hoped she enjoys “fair winds and clear skies” as she sets her sights on her final goal, which is the North Pole.

See the post here:

The #IndianNavy congratulates Ms Kaamya Karthikeyan @KaamyaSahas, 18-year-old daughter of a naval officer and alumna of the Navy Children School #NCS, who scripted history yet again by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest female in the world to ski to the… https://t.co/m8RgAVni52 pic.twitter.com/Dfrn2YljAe

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 30, 2025

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The post accumulated several congratulatory messages, with a user wrote, “Our country is very proud of girls like Kaamya who has ventured to ski to South Pole Our TV channels should cover this unique adventurous event.” Another user commented, “More power and more success to our Child prodigy, an inspiring youngster for our youth today.”

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“Heart warming News. Congratulations to Ms Kaamya Karthikeyan. Well done Kaamya Keep going,” a third user reacted.