In a proud moment for Maharashtra’s mountaineering community, Krishna Dhokle, a distinguished Everest and Kangchenjunga summiteer, has been conferred with the prestigious Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Award in the category of Mountaineering and Adventure. This accolade, the highest sports honor bestowed by the Maharashtra government, recognizes Dhokle’s exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to the field of mountaineering.

The award was presented by the Hon. Shri Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra) at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi, Pune, on Friday, April 18 at 12:00 PM.

Krishna Dhokle’s mountaineering journey is a remarkable narrative of determination, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Despite undergoing heart surgery in 2016, Krishna did not let this obstacle define his path. Instead, he prepared diligently for two years, rebuilding his strength and training rigorously.

As a senior instructor at the Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering (GGIM) and a key member of the Giripremi mountaineering club, Dhokle has played a pivotal role in training and mentoring aspiring mountaineers. His successful ascents of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kangchenjunga stand as testaments to his skill and commitment to the sport.

Beyond his personal achievements, Dhokle’s dedication to mentoring young climbers has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of mountaineers. His involvement in recent expeditions, such as leading a team that scaled eight pinnacles in Thane over three days, exemplifies his commitment to nurturing talent and promoting adventure sports in the region. Krishna Dhokle has successfully ascended over 140 pinnacles and serves as the Senior Instructor for the Diploma in Mountaineering at GGIM.

Dhokle’s recognition marks the fourth time a member of Giripremi has received the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Award, following the honors bestowed upon Umesh Zirpe in 2014, Ashish Mane in 2018, and Jitendra Gaware in 2023. This consistent acknowledgment underscores Giripremi’s significant contributions to promoting and advancing mountaineering in India.