Bhim Bahadur Tamang and Sapana Dhungel emerged as the champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the 15-meter wall climbing competition organized today by the Nepal Mountaineering Training Institute.
In the open wall climbing competition (top rope category) held at the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation in Dhumbarahi, Tamang secured first place by scaling the wall in 36 minutes and 69 seconds. Dhungel clinched the top spot in the women’s category with a time of 55 minutes and 37 seconds. The competition saw participation from 57 men and 23 women.
In the men’s category, Chhiring Rai secured second place, Vijay Shrestha came in third, Bishal Bhatt took fourth place, and Ashish Hembal finished fifth. Tamang, the winner, was awarded a cash prize of NPR 4,000, while the runners-up received NPR 3,000, NPR 2,000, NPR 1,500, and NPR 1,000, respectively.
In the women’s category, Dhungel was awarded NPR 4,000 for her first-place finish. Jasmin Karki took second place, Saraswati Khadka came in third, Nirmala Bhatt secured fourth place, and Binu Rai finished fifth. The top five women received cash prizes of NPR 3,000, NPR 2,000, NPR 1,500, and NPR 1,000, respectively.
Susmita Shrestha, the competition in-charge, explained that the event was organized to encourage students to pursue higher studies in mountaineering. The competition targeted students who have completed Grade 12, aiming to promote mountaineering as a field of study.
Lakpa Sherpa, one of the judges and trainers, mentioned that the scores were based on the time taken to reach the top and the points earned by gripping the holds. Sherpa, who is also the Vice President of the Nepal Climbing Sports Association, emphasized that wall climbing and rock climbing are not only recreational sports but also hold potential as a profession.
He added, “Given Nepal’s geographical terrain, this adventure sport holds significant promise. As it is now included in the Olympics, promoting this sport among the younger generation will contribute to tourism promotion as well.”
