KATHMANDU: A nine-member Nepali team is on Saturday leaving for South Korea to participate in the 51st Asian Bodybuilding Championship slated for August 20-26 in Seoul.

Kamal Bhandari (55kg), Ashok Maharjan (70kg) and Maheshwor Maharjan (75kg) will compete in the championship. Bijayttam Ratna Bajracharya will participate in the Sport Physiques, while Nirmala Khadka will compete in Model Physiques categories.

Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness Association President Rajesh Babu Shrestha, vice-president Rajesh Upadhyaya, judge Bijay Lal Kayastha and coach Gyanendra Nakarmi will accompany the players to South Korea.

National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista bade farewell to team on Thursday.