The Indian Navy has congratulated Kaamya Karthikeyan, the 18-year-old daughter of a naval officer and an alumna of Navy Children School (NCS), for scripting history by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the world to ski to the South Pole.
Kaamya achieved the extraordinary feat on December 27, 2025, after braving some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Battling temperatures plunging to –30°C, gale-force winds, and treacherous Antarctic terrain, she skied approximately 60 nautical miles (nearly 115 km) on foot—from 89° South to the Geographic South Pole—while pulling a sled laden with her complete expedition load.
Her accomplishment stands as a remarkable testament to grit, endurance, and mental fortitude, placing her among an elite group of polar explorers worldwide. The Indian Navy lauded her courage and perseverance, noting that her achievement embodies the values of discipline, resilience, and determination that the naval service seeks to instil in its community.
A prodigious mountaineer and polar adventurer, Kaamya is now on a quest to become the youngest person ever to complete the Explorers Grand Slam—the ultimate adventure challenge that involves climbing the highest peak on all seven continents and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
Her South Pole expedition marks a significant milestone on this journey and serves as a powerful inspiration for India’s youth. The Indian Navy extended its best wishes for her future expeditions, expressing confidence that Kaamya will continue to scale new heights and bring pride to the nation.
