KATHMANDU, MAY 19

Nepali youth kickboxer Abiral Ghimire, popularly known as the "Himalayan Cheetah," has set a national record by clinching his third international kickboxing title.

Ghimire secured the prestigious K-1 Krush 175 title on Sunday in Osaka, Japan, defeating Japanese champion Oda Jinku in the second round. He is the first Nepali fighter to beat Jinku in the ring, according to his father and former international kickboxer Dev Ghimire.

The high-profile bout drew a large audience, including members of the Nepali diaspora and local Japanese fans.

Abiral underwent a six-week closed training camp in Thailand in preparation for the match. Calling the victory a historic moment for both Nepal and himself, he expressed hope that it would inspire other young athletes.

Originally from Gurjudhara, Chandragiri-12, the Ghimire family now lives in Nagoya, Japan.