Top climbers reach finals of Tenzing Norgay Competition in Kathmandu

Kathmandu – The third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition has reached its final stage in Kathmandu, with 12 climbers securing their place in the finals.

The competition, jointly organized by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc., aims to promote sport climbing in Nepal while honoring Everest legends Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary.

According to organizers, six male and six female climbers have entered the final round. A total of 38 climbers, including 27 male and 11 female participants, took part in this year’s competition. One foreign male climber has also qualified for the finals.

The opening ceremony was held at Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel and was inaugurated by Nepal Mountaineering Association President Fur Gelje Sherpa. Member of Parliament Mingma Gyabu Sherpa is expected to attend the final event.

This year’s edition is special as the competition is being held in the lead climbing category for the first time. The previous two editions were limited to top-rope climbing.

The competition features separate male and female categories. Winners in each category will receive NPR 50,000 for first place, NPR 30,000 for second place, and NPR 20,000 for third place.

Organizers said the event is expected to encourage young climbers, promote technical climbing in Nepal, and keep alive the legacy of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic Everest summit.