Bihar: Hailing from a small village in the Saran district, international endurance athlete Sabita Mahato has brought glory to the nation by successfully completing another daring expedition—one of the world’s toughest challenges. Sabita created history by completing a 265-kilometer ultra-run in just six days, traveling from Leh, Ladakh, to the Mig La Pass (approximately 19,400 feet), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Her achievement is not merely a success in the realm of sports but also an inspiring example of courage, perseverance, determination, and women’s empowerment.
A Challenging Expedition Completed Amidst Adverse Conditions
This expedition was undertaken in extremely difficult geographical conditions. Factors such as low oxygen levels at high altitudes, bone-chilling cold, fierce icy winds, rapidly changing weather, rugged and desolate terrain, and arduous climbs put any athlete’s physical and mental endurance to the ultimate test. By overcoming all these challenges and reaching her destination in six days, Sabita Mahato proved that no obstacle is too great when faced with strong determination.
Rising from Adversity to Become an Inspiration
Sabita Mahato, a native of the Diara region in the Panapur block of Saran district, has led a life marked by struggle. Born into an ordinary family, she never allowed limited resources to diminish the scale of her dreams. Despite financial hardships, she turned sports into her passion and, through rigorous training, established herself among the country’s leading endurance athletes. Today, her success serves as an inspiration for millions of young people, especially girls from rural areas.
A History of Remarkable Achievements
Sabita Mahato has previously secured several notable achievements. In 2022, she gained national recognition by completing a solo cycling journey of approximately 1,200 kilometers from New Delhi to Umling La Pass—the world’s highest motorable road. Subsequently, she successfully completed an ultra-run of about 570 kilometers from Manali to Umling La Pass. Furthermore, she demonstrated her courage and indomitable willpower in the face of adverse conditions by participating in a Mount Everest expedition. Now, this ultra-run to the Mig La Pass adds another golden chapter to her series of adventurous expeditions.
‘Daughters should strive for their dreams’
Sabita Mahato stated that the objective of this expedition was not merely to complete a grueling ultra-run, but to convey a message to the nation’s youth—and especially to daughters—that if one’s goal is clear, hard work is sincere, and self-confidence is unwavering, then even limited resources cannot hinder the path to success. She emphasized that every young person should persistently strive for their dreams, as success comes to those who face challenges rather than fearing them.
Gratitude expressed to family, the Army, and supporting organizations
Sabita Mahato attributed this historic success to her family, team, well-wishers, and supporters. She expressed special gratitude to Sulabh International and the Path Foundation, noting that this expedition would not have been possible without their faith, support, and constant encouragement. She also thanked the Indian Army, the Border Roads Organization (BRO)—specifically Project Himank—the Ladakh administration, local authorities, the police, and all government agencies and officials operating in the region for their assistance during the expedition. She remarked that it is only through the cooperation of such organizations that safe and adventurous expeditions can be conducted in such challenging terrains.
