Kathmandu, September 20

A nine-member Nepali rafting team, including seven players, on Wednesday left for Japan to take part in the IRF World Rafting Championship slated for October 2-9 in Yoshino River.

Himalayan River Guide Association, which is sending Nepali team for the championship, had organised the National Rafting Championship in February to pick up players. Nepal Kayak Club had won the championship to represent Nepal in the world championship.

HRGAN Founder President Churamani Aryal said Nepal will compete in the men’s open category. Aryal also informed that Nepali team will undergo 10-day training before taking part in competition.

Meanwhile, skipper Hari Ale Magar said Nepali team had set the target of winning gold medal in the championship. “The competition would be tough, but our target will be to win the title besides promoting Nepal’s tourism and rafting,” said Magar.

Other players of the team are Roshan Lama, Prakash Gurung, Man Bahadur Kadel, Binod Gurung, Tak Bahadur Gurung and Bishal Gurung. Coaches Bishnu Gurung and Rajib Chand also accompanied the players to Japan.