The International Fencing Federation (FIE) was proud to learn that Nepalese national epeeist Anita Karki has carried the spirit of fencing to the highest point on Earth, successfully summiting Mount Everest and raising the flag of the FIE and the Nepal Fencing Association (NFA) at the peak.
Karki, one of Nepal’s top fencers as well as an Assistant Head Constable with the Nepalese Armed Police Force (APF), reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at 10.20 am on 17 May along with climbing guides Ngima Sange Sherpa, Nergui Buyandalai and Pasdawa Sherpa. Her ascent represents a significant milestone for the APF, as she became the force’s first female mountaineer to stand at the top of the world.
In raising the FIE flag at the summit, Karki perfectly captured the connection between one of mountaineering’s greatest achievements and fencing’s core values of discipline, courage, precision and perseverance, reflecting the strength of athletes who carry fencing’s values into every challenge they undertake. A proud moment indeed for the fencing community!
Karki, who regularly claims gold in individual epee at the National Fencing Championships, relied on the physical preparation, focus and competitive commitment required in fencing to help prepare for the extreme conditions of Everest. Coupled with her professional training in mountain rescue and high-altitude operations, it formed the ideal foundation for the climb and underscores the versatility and resilience of our athletes, whose sporting discipline extends beyond the piste.
“Anita’s climb reflects the very best of fencing – discipline, focus, courage and perseverance,” said FIE President-Interim Abdelmoneim ElHusseiny. “Her extraordinary achievement exemplifies how the values learned on the piste can inspire achievements far beyond it. On behalf of the FIE, I warmly congratulate her on this historic feat.”
Karki’s groundbreaking feat is also being celebrated in Nepal as a powerful message of women’s empowerment, resilience and determination. “Her achievement will inspire not only security personnel, but also young women in Nepal to pursue challenging fields with confidence,” the APF said.
The FIE congratulates Karki on her historic accomplishment and recognises her achievement as an inspiring moment for fencing in Nepal and for the whole fencing community.