Russian blogger and adaptive athlete Rustam Nabiev has made history by becoming the first person to summit Mount Everest using only his hands with support from the International Boxing Association. 

Upon reaching the highest point on Earth, Nabiev unfurled the flag of the International Boxing Association (IBA), marking a monumental milestone for both global mountaineering and the sporting community.

Following the gruelling ascent, Nabiev expressed his deep gratitude to IBA President Umar Kremlev for backing his ambitious expedition.

“For the first time in history, the IBA flag is at the top of the world,” Nabiev said. “I am incredibly grateful to Umar Nazarovich [Kremlev] for believing in me and providing the support to make this dream a reality. It is a profound honour to bring the IBA flag to the summit of Everest.”

IBA President Umar Kremlev praised Nabiev’s extraordinary feat, highlighting the athlete’s resilience.

“Rustam is the epitome of incredible course, strength and character,” Kremlev stated. “He has proven the ultimate truth: a person can achieve anything if they refuse to give up and push through to the very end. We are immensely proud of you Rustam, you are a true legend. It is a massive honour for the IBA to be part of this historic moment alongside you.”

Nabiev spent the entirety of April and the first half of May in Nepal, undergoing rigorous acclimatisation and preparing for one of the most remote, perilous climbs in the world. He launched his final ‘summit push’ on 13 May, coinciding with his 34th birthday.

Navigating the four high-altitude camps, severe weather conditions, and a punishing route to the 8,848-metre peak, Nabiev overcame immense physical challenges to achieve historic success, firmly placing the IBA at the Roof of the World.