KATHMANDU: Nepali-British adaptive mountaineer Hari Budha Magar, the first double above-knee amputee to complete the Seven Summits, has been honoured with the prestigious Guinness World Records ICON title.

According to a statement issued by Guinness World Records, Magar—an MBE recipient and former British Gurkha—was formally presented with the ICON certificate recognising his extraordinary achievements, including multiple world-first records in mountaineering.

Reacting to the honour in a Facebook post, Magar said the recognition was "an honour" and dedicated the award to all those who supported him throughout his journey. "This wouldn't be possible without you. I'm deeply grateful for your love and support," he wrote, adding that his achievement belongs to everyone who contributed to his journey.

Guinness World Records highlighted Magar's story—from losing both legs above the knee in 2010 after stepping on an improvised explosive device while serving in the British Army in Afghanistan, to becoming a global symbol of resilience.

Following his life-changing injury, Magar began rebuilding his life, eventually setting his sights on mountaineering. After becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest in 2023, he went on to complete the Seven Summits—climbing the highest peak on each continent. Fewer than 500 climbers globally have achieved this feat, making it one of the most significant milestones in modern mountaineering and adaptive sport.

Magar said his mission has always been beyond personal achievement, focusing instead on disability awareness and breaking societal perceptions. "This is bigger than climbing mountains—it is about showing what people with disabilities can achieve," he said.

He added: "All my certificates are in Nepal's name. I won the Pride of Britain Award, but when will our country take ownership of that pride? After finishing the Seven Summits, I came straight back to Nepal from Antarctica and handed over our national flag to Prime Minister Shusila Karki myself. That's the least I could do as a Nepali. But how the government takes it, that's up to them."

Born in Rolpa, Nepal, Magar served as a British Gurkha before losing both legs above the knee in Afghanistan in 2010. His recovery began with the simplest of goals—lifting himself from the floor to his wheelchair—and gradually expanded to his childhood dream of climbing Everest, which he achieved in 2023. His Seven Summits journey began with Mont Blanc in 2019, followed by Kilimanjaro, Everest, Denali, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, and culminating at Vinson.

"If you have a dream and dedicate yourself and never give up, you can achieve anything, whatever life throws at you," he said. "We have shown that nothing is impossible." He called on society and governments to support people with disabilities without discrimination, adding: "Changing perceptions of disability will not happen overnight. But with support, adaptation and perseverance, people with disabilities can accomplish the impossible."

Magar returned to Kathmandu on January 18 to share his achievement, accompanied by Mingma Sherpa and Abiral Rai. His journey from the hills of Rolpa to the frozen peaks of Antarctica now stands as one of the most inspiring stories in modern adventure and inclusive mountaineering.