Manchester United Fan Conquers Mt Everest
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| A Red Devil Nima Namgyal Sherpa |
United fan Nima Namgyal Sherpa fulfilled one of
his big ambitions in May when he climbed Mount Everest in his native
Nepal. Among his vital supplies, helping him to scale the world-famous
peak, was a photo of the Reds' title-winning squad...
So, Nima, tell us about yourself – how old are you and how long have you been following Manchester United?
I'm 30 and I was born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, in a remote village called Khumjung. I attended the school built there by Everest's famous first conqueror, Sir Edmund Hillary. After graduating as a doctor in Kathmandu in 2009, I decided to help my fellow Sherpas and our many visiting climbers from overseas by specialising in high-altitude medicine and the management of medical emergencies on the mountains. I can't remember the exact date I started following Manchester United but it's been a while, certainly since the mid-1990s when, besides studying, football was the first thing on my mind.
I'm 30 and I was born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, in a remote village called Khumjung. I attended the school built there by Everest's famous first conqueror, Sir Edmund Hillary. After graduating as a doctor in Kathmandu in 2009, I decided to help my fellow Sherpas and our many visiting climbers from overseas by specialising in high-altitude medicine and the management of medical emergencies on the mountains. I can't remember the exact date I started following Manchester United but it's been a while, certainly since the mid-1990s when, besides studying, football was the first thing on my mind.
Why are United your favourite team?
One of my favourite players when I was younger was David Beckham because of his “bend it like Beckham” free-kicks and corner kicks. I always wanted his team to win and, of course, he was playing for United at the time. Today, United are still my team because of all the players who work hard together to achieve one goal and because of the legendary manager who's just retired after 26 years, winning all those trophies.
One of my favourite players when I was younger was David Beckham because of his “bend it like Beckham” free-kicks and corner kicks. I always wanted his team to win and, of course, he was playing for United at the time. Today, United are still my team because of all the players who work hard together to achieve one goal and because of the legendary manager who's just retired after 26 years, winning all those trophies.
Do you watch the matches on television? If so, where do you watch them, and who with?
I mostly watch at home but I go out with friends to watch big games on a big screen in the bars and pubs where the environment is much more lively and exciting. Many bars and pubs in Kathmandu show such games on projector screens. I have never been to Old Trafford but it’s on my wish list. Hopefully one day I can save enough money to travel there.
I mostly watch at home but I go out with friends to watch big games on a big screen in the bars and pubs where the environment is much more lively and exciting. Many bars and pubs in Kathmandu show such games on projector screens. I have never been to Old Trafford but it’s on my wish list. Hopefully one day I can save enough money to travel there.
How popular is football in Nepal - and would you say Manchester United are the most popular team?
There is no doubt about football being the most popular sport in Nepal. It is enjoyed by the majority of people here but the standard of our game is poor with a limited infrastructure and not enough money for players to make a living. As for foreign teams, United is definitely one of the most popular in Nepal.
There is no doubt about football being the most popular sport in Nepal. It is enjoyed by the majority of people here but the standard of our game is poor with a limited infrastructure and not enough money for players to make a living. As for foreign teams, United is definitely one of the most popular in Nepal.
Congratulations on reaching the top of Mount Everest – presumably a long-held ambition?
Yes, it has been my ambition to climb Everest for the last few years, but not just for the glory and achievement. More importantly, I also wanted to understand and feel the effects of extreme altitude and know the mountain better so that I can treat people better and provide better help, support and guidance in case of an emergency on the mountain for rescue operations. I had climbed many other peaks below 7,000 metres to prepare myself for the ultimate challenge. Now I have the full picture of what Everest is like.
Yes, it has been my ambition to climb Everest for the last few years, but not just for the glory and achievement. More importantly, I also wanted to understand and feel the effects of extreme altitude and know the mountain better so that I can treat people better and provide better help, support and guidance in case of an emergency on the mountain for rescue operations. I had climbed many other peaks below 7,000 metres to prepare myself for the ultimate challenge. Now I have the full picture of what Everest is like.
How long did your climb take, and who did you climb with?
Our expedition took 50 days in total from leaving Kathmandu. After our final acclimatisation rotation, it took me four days to trek from our basecamp to the summit and back to basecamp. I was leading a team of 16 climbers including clients from Canada, Britain, Argentina, USA, Austria and India and, of course, some Sherpas. I actually climbed to the summit without a supporting Sherpa, instead carrying three heavy oxygen cylinders myself so I could really respect and appreciate the work that Sherpas do on the mountain. Many people claim mountaineering records, but hardly anybody speaks about the Sherpas who are behind their success.
Our expedition took 50 days in total from leaving Kathmandu. After our final acclimatisation rotation, it took me four days to trek from our basecamp to the summit and back to basecamp. I was leading a team of 16 climbers including clients from Canada, Britain, Argentina, USA, Austria and India and, of course, some Sherpas. I actually climbed to the summit without a supporting Sherpa, instead carrying three heavy oxygen cylinders myself so I could really respect and appreciate the work that Sherpas do on the mountain. Many people claim mountaineering records, but hardly anybody speaks about the Sherpas who are behind their success.
If you could climb Everest with one player or person from United, past or present, who would you choose?
I would choose Ryan Giggs to climb with me. He's a legend, and he's been at United throughout the many years I've been supporting the team.
I would choose Ryan Giggs to climb with me. He's a legend, and he's been at United throughout the many years I've been supporting the team.
Has
anyone at United, or any of the club’s achievements, ever inspired you
when you are mountain climbing or working to rescue someone?
I have always been inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson for his outstanding leadership and I would love to lead on the mountain like he did in English football for the past 26 years. Mountain climbing is a bit like football - good leadership, team work and a little bit of luck are necessary for a successful summit.
I have always been inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson for his outstanding leadership and I would love to lead on the mountain like he did in English football for the past 26 years. Mountain climbing is a bit like football - good leadership, team work and a little bit of luck are necessary for a successful summit.
TV commentators
sometimes say a team “has a mountain to climb” if they are losing 3-0 or
worse… what do you think about that phrase?
I think the phrase “has a mountain to climb” does make sense in that situation because it's not easy to score four goals and win unless magic happens on the pitch. Climbing mountains is not that easy either.
I think the phrase “has a mountain to climb” does make sense in that situation because it's not easy to score four goals and win unless magic happens on the pitch. Climbing mountains is not that easy either.
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About the author
Roy Suja
I'm a Red Devil. Manchester United is my pride and Old Trafford is my playground. I worship this pitch where football legends are born and history is carved.
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