There was a hero’s welcome today at Singapore Changi Airport for 5-year-old Abyan Imtiaz Irkiz, who became the youngest Singaporean to reach Everest Base Camp last week, climbing with his father, Zikri Ali.
Father and son were greeted upon their return today by several family members and the media. An Instagram post on the handle abyan.irkiz announced that their special homecoming coverage would be available tomorrow.
Last Monday (April 29), the father-son duo of Abyan and Zikri proudly unfurled the Singapore flag at the Everest Base Camp.
With that, Abyan surpassed the previous record of Indian-origin Singaporean climber Om Madan Garg, who had reached the Everest Base Camp as a 6-year-old in October 2022.
Overcome by emotions, they posted that day on Instagram: “The moment we’ve all been eagerly anticipating… Father and son have finally set foot on Everest Base Camp! #shukuralhumdulilah”
Giving some details of the training required for this feat, the post added: “All the sweat, tears, and dedication over the last 6 months, including training during Ramadan, have led to this incredible achievement. From countless climbs up and down 27 storeys to trekking through rain and thunderstorms for training sessions — every challenge has been worth it.”
Expressing gratitude, they wrote: “Thank you, Allah, for granting us the strength and love to embark on this journey as a family. My heart overflows with pride and happiness!
“Abyan has officially made history as ‘The Youngest Singaporean to reach Everest Base Camp’ in just 8 days. #recordholder”
Yesterday, on the verge of returning from Nepal — the Himalayan nation where most of the Everest expeditions start — their Instagram post said: “After an extraordinary journey filled with challenges and triumphs, Papa Zikri and Abyan are returning to Singapore on an early morning SQ flight this Monday, the 6th May!
“We are incredibly grateful for all the love and support we’ve received throughout this incredible adventure, truly.
“We’ve been so humbled to receive so many messages from friends and supporters expressing their desire to welcome them back home at the airport. Your enthusiasm means the world to us!”
