6-Year-Old Thevaky Makes History with Blindfolded Rappelling Record

In a remarkable display of courage and skill, six-year-old Thevaky B Rajkumar from Chennai, India, set a world record by blindfolded rappelling down a 155-foot cliff on August 29, 2025, coinciding with India’s National Sports Day. The event took place in Malaipattu, located in the Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu, where Thevaky completed her descent in just four minutes and thirty-two seconds. This achievement has earned her recognition as the youngest girl to perform blindfold rock rappelling from such a height, certified by the Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, and The Noble Book of World Records.

Thevaky, a Class 1 student at Good Earth School in Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, is the daughter of Mrs. S. Bhavani and Mr. Rajkumar S.P.. Her journey began not out of ambition but as a way to overcome her fear of nature. Mr. Rajkumar enrolled her in a mountaineering class, which eventually turned into a passion for adventure sports. Her parents were present on the day of the feat, watching proudly as their daughter descended with remarkable composure.

Expert Guidance and Safety Measures

Thevaky’s successful attempt was supported by systematic training led by Mr. R. Thirulogachandran, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Mountaineering Association, along with coach Mr. Ramanan. They ensured that every aspect of her preparation was tailored to her age and capabilities. “Thevaky I saw that morning was not the same little girl I met on the first day of training,” Thirulogachandran noted, highlighting her growth in confidence and skill.

Safety was paramount during the event. Prior to her descent, Thevaky underwent evaluations by Dr. K. Vijaya Ragavan, a Consultant Paediatrician, and Dr. Vivek Arun Kumar, a Consultant Psychiatrist, both from Annai Arul Hospital. They certified her fit for the challenge. On-site, a mini-hospital ambulance was equipped with advanced emergency facilities. Following her descent, a nurse conducted a health check, confirming Thevaky’s condition was stable.

A Symbol of Sporting Potential

The timing of Thevaky’s achievement resonated strongly with the day’s theme, “One Hour on the Playground,” aimed at encouraging children to engage in outdoor activities. Her mother, Bhavani, emphasized the importance of support, stating, “When trained, anything is possible.” She added that while the idea to attempt rappelling originated with Thevaky, the family merely encouraged her passion.

The recognition of her accomplishment extends beyond local admiration. Thevaky’s feat has been officially acknowledged by notable organizations, marking her as a trailblazer in the realm of adventure sports in India. Her achievement aligns with the nation’s aspirations for the 2036 Olympics, particularly as sport climbing gains prominence, being included as a core discipline in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As India prepares for its Olympic bid, Thevaky’s success illustrates the potential for young athletes to excel in disciplines traditionally overlooked. The recent New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of integrating sports into education, further encouraging physical activity among youth.

India’s rich natural landscapes, such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats, have long inspired climbing among the youth. With focused coaching and increased institutional support, Thevaky’s success serves as an example of how the nation can cultivate Olympic-level talent from its youth.

Thevaky’s blindfolded descent stands as a metaphor for a nation poised to embrace new sporting challenges. As India looks ahead to the 2036 Olympics, the path forward will not only be paved in stadiums but also in the courage and determination of children like Thevaky, who exemplify the sporting spirit. Her extraordinary achievement is a testament to what is possible when fear is replaced with confidence and support.