First Indian woman to ski on South Pole receives warm welcome

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu, who became the first Indian woman to ski at the South Pole, was received by a jubilant crowd at the IG Airport here as she returned home town after the feat on Friday.

Dharmshaktu, the 38-year-old adventure enthusiast and a resident of Delhi, was one of the eight-member Commonwealth Women's Antarctic Expedition 2009-10 that skied for over 900 kilometres along the icy surface of Antarctica.

Their epoch-making skiing spread over 38 days marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth.

Reacting to an overwhelming reception, the Delhi-based Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu gave the credit of her success to her training in Darjeeling and also her family members who always encouraged her.

She also spoke high about other team members.

"There were challenges throughout of course, but when there is a coveted goal to achieve, one becomes too engrossed in it to worry. Journey was hectic but it was also beautiful, I will say that Antarctica is a beautiful place. It all went so well," said Dharmshaktu.

No wonder, her parents who were present at the airport were a delighted lot and shared their thoughts with the media persons.

"We have supported her invariably, and we will keep supporting her in her future endeavours we are so proud today," said the proud mother of Dharmshaktu.

The team was on the South Pole for 38 days braving blizzards, jet speed winds blowing besides the usual adversaries of a frozen land like and temperature of minus 40 degree Celsius, to achieve the great feat.

Besides Reena, the other members of the team were from seven countries - Brunei, Cyprus, Ghana, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and Great Britain. (ANI)