The historic Thak Sports and Cultural Competition, with a legacy spanning half a century, kicked off today in the tourist village of Marpha, located in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-2. The three-day event, organized by the Thak Sports and Cultural Development Association, was inaugurated by Member of Parliament Yogesh Gauchan (Thakali).
The competition aims to promote sports talent, preserve cultural heritage, and boost tourism, according to the association’s president, Krishna Kumar Sherchan. “This event, which has been held annually in various villages of Gharpajhong and Thasang rural municipalities for the past 50 years, carries significant historical and cultural importance,” he said. “This year’s competitions include men’s and women’s volleyball, traditional archery for those over 40, open archery, folk dance, and Thakali song contests.”
Six clubs are participating in the men’s volleyball competition, where the winner will receive NPR 150,000, while the runner-up will be awarded NPR 100,000, along with shields, medals, and certificates. In the women’s volleyball competition, featuring three clubs, the winning team will receive NPR 100,000, and the runner-up will take home NPR 50,000.
In the traditional and open archery competitions, the winners will receive NPR 50,000, while the runners-up will receive NPR 25,000. The event is co-organized by the Milijuli Youth Club of Marpha and also features an agricultural fair. The winners of the folk dance competition will be awarded NPR 35,000, NPR 25,000, and NPR 15,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively, along with medals and certificates.
During the opening ceremony, a cultural procession paraded through Marpha village. Several dignitaries, including former association president and former Member of Parliament Prem Prasad Tulachan, former secretary Raju Lalchan, international archery player Yogendra Sherchan, and Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road project supervisor Indra Singh Sherchan, were honored with traditional scarves.
On the first day, three men’s volleyball matches took place. In the opening match, Nilgiri Youth Club Tukuche defeated Annapurna Youth Club Taklung in a thrilling five-set game, winning 3-2, after losing their first match against Milijuli Youth Club Marpha. Similarly, Dhaulagiri Youth Club Kowang defeated Nirmal Sports Club Lethe 3-2.
In the women’s volleyball competition, Nilgiri Youth Club is set to field national team players Pratibha Mali, Salina Shrestha, and Sophia Pun. Meanwhile, Milijuli Youth Club has included players from both the provincial and national competitions from Myagdi and Kaski districts.
This year’s event is expected to attract tourists and help further promote Mustang’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.
