Kathmandu. The third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition concluded successfully in Kathmandu on Friday. The event was jointly organized by the and the , featuring competitions in both men’s and women’s categories.
In the men’s category, Ronak Upreti secured first place, while Mirko Leros, a foreign climber, finished second and Tenzing Bertin Rai claimed third position. In the women’s category, Swastika Chaudhari won the title, followed by Yanckeela Sherpa in second place and Panchamaya Tamang in third.
Winners in both categories received cash prizes of NPR 50,000 for first place, NPR 30,000 for second, and NPR 20,000 for third. A total of 12 athletes — six men and six women — advanced to the final round, including one international climber in the men’s division.
The final event was attended by Member of the House of Representatives as the chief guest. Special guest also participated in the program. Other notable attendees included Director General of the Department of Tourism Ramkrishna Lamichhane, President of the Furi Gelje Sherpa, US Nepal Climbers Association chapter coordinator Lachhuman Tamang, and Nepal Climbing Sports Association General Secretary Santosh Maden.
According to the organizers, the competition aimed to promote adventure climbing sports in Nepal while honoring the legendary contributions of and to mountaineering history. President of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, Tul Singh Gurung, said this year’s edition was particularly significant as it marked the first time the competition was held in the Lead Climbing format. Previous editions had been limited to Top-Rope Climbing.
The competition was launched in memory of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and commemorates the historic first successful ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Organizers expressed confidence that the event would further promote Nepal’s growing climbing sports culture and inspire younger generations toward adventure sports and mountaineering.
