Kathmandu, February 6

Nepal are set to make their debut in the World Rafting Championship slated for October 3-10 in Japan.

Himalayan River Guide Association of Nepal (HRGAN) President Manish Rai informed that a seven-member Nepali national team will compete in the championship.

The team will be selected from the Nepal Rafting Championship which is going to be organised by Nepal Rafting and Canoeing Association in Trisuli River, Fishling section of Chitwan district from February 14-16.

HRGAN and Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies are also supporting the event which will be held under the fifth Mountain Sports Festival. “The winning team of the national championship will represent Nepal in the World Championship in Japan,” said Rai at a press meet today.

A total of 15 teams will compete for the title of the national championship which features four categories — raft race, head-to-head, raft sprint and raft

slalom.

Each team will have seven members with six taking part in all four categories. Each category will be of 300 metres. The champions will be decided after adding points of all the categories.

NRCA President Man Bahadur Neupane said that the kayaking down river race will also be organised on the opening day of the event. Neupane informed the winners of all categories will be awarded with gift hampers and the total budget of the championship is Rs 700,000.

IRF Prez Jones to teach Nepali judges

Kathmandu: International Rafting Federation President Joe Willis Jones, who landed in Nepal on February 2, will conduct a three-day seminar for 20 Nepali rafting instructors. Nepal Rafting and Canoeing Association invited Jones for the seminar with the aim of providing Nepali instructors with the advanced level training. “I am here in Nepal to train instructors and help them in best possible way. Besides that I came here because I love the country,” said Jones. The instructors who will take part in the seminar will be judges in the Nepal Rafting Championship. According the hosts Jones will also be available for the championship.