KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 15

In the wake of growing concerns about the climate emergency, which has threatened many aspects of life, world-record-holding 18-year-old mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa, who has scaled all 14 peaks, has been named the brand ambassador for the International Inter University "Jay Nepal Cup" T20 Cricket Tournament.

The sports competition organisers intend to approach this initiative strategically, laying the groundwork for wider message dissemination and long-term success towards climate action.

Nima Rinji Sherpa was signed as the brand ambassador for the tournament at a program on Saturday in Kathmandu, as he could be the meaningful person to convey the message of the melting mountains due to climate change to the entire world.

Nepal Students' Union (NSU) President Dujang Sherpa and Nima Rinji Sherpa inked and exchanged an agreement that officially appointed him as the Brand Ambassador of the international tournament.

Understanding the call to action, Sherpa has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador at no cost, as the tournament's motto and goals benefit all of humanity.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Nima Rinji Sherpa emphasised the importance of sports after meeting Paras Khadka, secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), and discussing cricket with him.

He stated, "After speaking with Paras Khadka, I realised that connecting cricket and climate change could help set and disseminate global messages. Khadka requested that we get a stone from Mt. Everest and to place on top of the Nepal Premier League's (NPL) first ever trophy, and it immensely inspired me after learning about the theme connecting cricket with climate change and its impact on Nepal, as well as protecting our cultural and natural heritage."

The trophy features a stone from Kalapathar to highlight the importance of protecting and promoting Nepal's natural heritage, particularly Mount Sagarmatha, the world's highest peak.

Earlier, Khadka, the NPL coordinator and CAN secretary, stated, "The main attraction of the trophy is the stone brought from Kalapathar, located at the foot of Mount Sagarmatha. It aims to help conserve and promote the world's tallest mountain, which is a World Heritage Site. We also hope that the NPL will boost tourism."

Mountaineers Nima Rinji Sherpa and Mingma Sherpa brought the stone to Kathmandu and were also present at the unveiling ceremony.

"Nepal is adversely impacted by climate change because we have the largest number of Himalayas, and they are the victims of climate change, and we must speak this to the world." Nima Rinji Sherpa stated, "And I want to contribute to this and my community through cricket."

However, he stated that he has always enjoyed playing football, but seeing all of the inspiring cricket enthusiasts and messages associated with it inspired him to collaborate on climate action.

"Scheduled for this January, the tournament's theme is "One Earth, One Voice: Act On Climate Change Now." The event aims to raise awareness about the critical need for environmental conservation, emphasising Nepal's role as home to eight of the world's highest peaks and the active participation of its youth in this global cause," said Suraj Sejuwal, Spokesperson, Nepal Students' Union.

According to Sejuwal, cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, and this could address this issue, significantly setting the stage for raising awareness among the youngsters.

"This is a tournament with a message for the entire world to students and young people who are conscious about climate change. Because nations have boundaries but not ozone layers. As a result, we collaborate to combat climate emergencies," he said.

"Although Nepal hasn't contributed to climate change much, our precious mountains are paying the price. Thus, we have endorsed Nima Rinji Sherpa as our brand ambassador to echo the concerns of mountains through sports, and we are fortunate that he has not charged for this."

The tournament will kick off on January 20 with two universities each from Bangladesh, India, and one each from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa competing.

"We are also in talks with universities in Australia and the United Kingdom," said Dujang Sherpa, NSU President.

"Through this tournament we want to connect tourism, sports and climate change, as we are also organising various activities along with games and to uplift grassroots cricket. Moreover, Nepal is the most impacted country from climate change, and young students must be conscious of this issue, and the growing popularity of cricket could be the right opportunity for us for wider awareness."