Mount Elbrus 2026: Lingam Ravindra Rao and Anuraag Pokuri complete a historic grandfather-grandson expedition and set their sights on the Seven Summits
New Delhi, 17 August 2026: A remarkable grandfather-grandson mountaineering team has completed a successful Mount Elbrus expedition. Lingam Ravindra Rao, 72, and his 17-year-old grandson Anuraag Pokuri climbed the 5,642-metre Mount Elbrus, combining two generations in a shared pursuit of adventure and the Seven Summits.
Ravindra Rao, who hails from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, successfully climbed the West Peak of Mount Elbrus on August 14. He was 72 years, one month and 13 days old at the time of the climb. According to the information provided, he is the oldest Indian to have climbed Mount Elbrus as of the date of his ascent.
Anuraag Pokuri, from Hyderabad, Telangana, completed an even more demanding feat. The 17-year-old climbed both the West and East Peaks back-to-back in 3 hours and 44 minutes. According to the information provided, he is the youngest citizen of Indian origin to complete both Mount Elbrus peaks consecutively as of the date of the achievement.
Ravindra Rao’s Long Journey in Fitness and Adventure
Ravindra’s connection with physical endurance dates back to his student years. In 1972, at 18, he cycled from Kharagpur to Darjeeling while studying at IIT Kharagpur. The journey covered around 1,700 kilometres and was completed in 10 days.
Despite years of professional and business responsibilities, fitness remained an important part of his lifestyle. He continued participating in sports before eventually developing a deeper interest in adventure and mountaineering.
His climbing journey includes Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Labouche in 2024. The successful Mount Elbrus summit now represents another major milestone in his pursuit of high-altitude challenges.
Seven Summits: The Next Target
The Mount Elbrus climb has brought Ravindra and Anuraag closer to their ultimate shared objectiveâthe Seven Summits.
The Seven Summits challenge involves climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. Both grandfather and grandson now hope to continue their mountaineering journey and complete the challenge together.
Anuraag, a Grade 12 student at the International School Hyderabad, has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. His latest Mount Elbrus achievement adds to his growing experience in high-altitude mountaineering.
Why Ravindra Rao Wants More Children to Play Sports
He believes children should be introduced to sports at an early age and receive guidance from trained coaches. According to him, schools also have an important role in spotting young talent and helping students develop their sporting potential.
âIndia has abundant talent in sports, but that talent needs to be identified and nurtured from a very young age,â he says.
From a 1,700-kilometre cycling journey at the age of 18 to a Mount Elbrus summit at 72, Ravindra Rao’s story highlights the importance of fitness, perseverance and lifelong adventure. With Anuraag by his side, the next chapter of their journey could take them to some of the world’s highest peaks.
