Alpinist and Activist Nasim Eshqi on climbing in and out of Iran - literally and metaphorically!

Joining me this week is Iranian alpinist Nasim Eshqi. Kickboxing champion of Iran, many times over, Nasim left the sport in her early 20’s because of the pressure to ‘cover up’.

Climbing mountains gave her the chance to be outside, and away from prying eyes. Since she started climbing aged 23, Nasim has established many new routes in countries including Iran, Turkey, India, and across Europe. 

She left home on a climbing expedition in 2022, but following the death of Mahsa Amini, she never returned. “We are all Mahsa,” she says. “She was an innocent young girl, who didn’t even live long enough to commit a crime”. Nasim’s mission now is to defend those who cannot defend themselves. 

If we feel something is not right, she tells me, we must be brave, and speak out.

For more on the amazing athletes and sports enthusiasts featured on the podcast, head to Instagram @samincham_thepodcast and Facebook