KATHMANDU:
The US Nepal Climbers Association and Nepal National Mountain Guide Association today announced that all preparations for the first Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition have almost completed.
Organising a press meet, NNMGA General Secretary Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa said that the organizers were giving a final touch to the preparatory works for the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Climbing Competition (Top Rope Edition), which is scheduled to take place on January 29 at Crimpanzee Adventure Hub, Bouddha.
The event jointly organised by the USNCA and NNMGA aims to promote the sport of climbing, offering a platform for climbers of all levels to showcase their skills and passion for ascending to new heights. "The competition aims to unite climbers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging a vibrant and supportive community bound by a shared love for the ascent," Tshiring Jangbu, who is also coordinator for the event, added.
USNCA's treasurer Lhakpa Nuru Sherpa said that the joint event marks a collaborative venture between NNMGA and USNCA. "We plan to continue it as an annual event," he added.
"We expect more than 40 participants in the event," founding president of USNCA Serap Jangbu Sherpa said. The event promises not only intense competition but also a celebration of climbing culture, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, he shared.
For the event, Imagine Nepal Treks, 4Stories, USNCA chair Passang Nima Sherpa, 8K Expeditions, Likla Outdoor, Wongchu Peak Promotion and The North Face Nepal agreed to become the title sponsors while BaRo 360, Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Lakpa Geljen Sherpa, Phutila Sherpa and Mountain Hardware would be the gold sponsors, according to the organizers.
The event also aims to become a launchpad for climbers aspiring to reach Olympic heights. According to Lhakpa Nuru, participants in both the male and female categories have the opportunity to win impressive cash prizes in the competition.
"The first, second, and third positioned climbers will be awarded a cash prize of NRs 15,000, NRs 10,000, and NRs 5,000, respectively," the organizers added. The winners will also get hanging boards, certificates and striking medals while all participants will be given certificates. Anyone above the age of 12 years can participate in the competition after paying Rs 500 as registration fee.
"In the coming years the event aims to diversify its categories," Tshiring Jangbu informed. The organizers aim to introduce additional categories such as lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering, expanding the competition's scope and providing more opportunities for climbers to showcase their skills across different disciplines.
