Early Life & Sporting Background

Arunima Sinha was born in Uttar Pradesh and was active in sports from a young age — playing football and representing at a national level in volleyball. Her athletic background laid the foundation for the determination she later showed in recovery and mountaineering.

Life-changing Accident

In April 2011 Arunima was reportedly attacked and thrown from a moving train while travelling to appear for an exam; the injuries led to the amputation of her leg. She spent months recovering and decided during that period to pursue a bold goal: to climb Mount Everest. (See sources for contemporary reports.)

Scaling Everest: A Historic Feat

On 21 May 2013 Arunima Sinha reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming widely recognised as the world’s first female amputee to do so. Her achievement drew national and international attention, inspiring many and challenging stereotypes about disability and capability.

Seven Summits & Mountaineering Achievements

Following Everest, Arunima set out to climb the highest peaks on each continent (the Seven Summits). Over the years she completed many major summits and continued to push for new challenges, including Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Her mountaineering journey emphasised progressive goal-setting and adaptive techniques for amputee climbers.

Awards, Honours & Public Work

• Arunima has received significant recognition for her contributions and achievements, including national honours and awards for adventure and public service.
• She has also been invited to speak widely on resilience, empowerment, and inclusive sports, and has engaged in initiatives to support underprivileged and differently-abled youth.

Legacy & Impact

Beyond summits and awards, Arunima’s legacy lies in changing public perceptions about disability and demonstrating how adaptive sports and strong social support can open opportunities. She continues to be a role model for athletes, people with disabilities, and anyone facing major life setbacks.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience: Arunima’s story shows how purpose and perseverance can reshape a life after trauma.
• Adaptive achievement: With tailored training and support, disability need not limit high achievement.
• Inspiration into action: Her public work encourages access to sport and empowerment for marginalised communities.

Early Life & Sporting Background

Arunima Sinha was born in Uttar Pradesh and was active in sports from a young age — playing football and representing at a national level in volleyball. Her athletic background laid the foundation for the determination she later showed in recovery and mountaineering.

Life-changing Accident

In April 2011 Arunima was reportedly attacked and thrown from a moving train while travelling to appear for an exam; the injuries led to the amputation of her leg. She spent months recovering and decided during that period to pursue a bold goal: to climb Mount Everest. (See sources for contemporary reports.)

Scaling Everest: A Historic Feat

On 21 May 2013 Arunima Sinha reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming widely recognised as the world’s first female amputee to do so. Her achievement drew national and international attention, inspiring many and challenging stereotypes about disability and capability.

Seven Summits & Mountaineering Achievements

Following Everest, Arunima set out to climb the highest peaks on each continent (the Seven Summits). Over the years she completed many major summits and continued to push for new challenges, including Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Her mountaineering journey emphasised progressive goal-setting and adaptive techniques for amputee climbers.

Awards, Honours & Public Work

• Arunima has received significant recognition for her contributions and achievements, including national honours and awards for adventure and public service.
• She has also been invited to speak widely on resilience, empowerment, and inclusive sports, and has engaged in initiatives to support underprivileged and differently-abled youth.

Legacy & Impact

Beyond summits and awards, Arunima’s legacy lies in changing public perceptions about disability and demonstrating how adaptive sports and strong social support can open opportunities. She continues to be a role model for athletes, people with disabilities, and anyone facing major life setbacks.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience: Arunima’s story shows how purpose and perseverance can reshape a life after trauma.
• Adaptive achievement: With tailored training and support, disability need not limit high achievement.
• Inspiration into action: Her public work encourages access to sport and empowerment for marginalised communities.