Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary win Third Tenzing Norgay Sherpa open lead climbing competition

Kathmandu-The third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition concluded in Kathmandu on Friday, bringing together some of Nepal’s top climbing athletes in a celebration of adventure sports and mountaineering heritage.The competition was jointly organized by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc., featuring both men’s and women’s lead climbing events.

In the men’s category, Ronak Upreti secured first place, while international climber Mirko Leros finished second and Tenzing Bertin Rai claimed third position. In the women’s category, Swastika Chaudhary emerged as the champion, followed by Yanckeela Sherpa in second place and Panchamaya Tamang in third.Winners in both categories received cash prizes of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000, and Rs. 20,000 for first, second, and third places respectively.The final event was attended by Member of the House of Representatives Mingma Gyabu Sherpa as the chief guest. Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, participated as a special guest.

Other distinguished attendees included Director General of the Department of Tourism Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) President Phur Gelje Sherpa, Coordinator of the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc. chapter Lachhuman Tamang, and Nepal Climbing Sports Association General Secretary Santosh Maden.A total of 12 climbers-six men and six women-qualified for the final round of the competition. One foreign climber also reached the men’s final.

According to the organizers, the competition aims to promote adventure climbing sports in Nepal while honoring the historic contributions of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary to mountaineering.NNMGA President Tul Singh Gurung said this year’s event was particularly significant as it marked the first time the competition was held in the Lead Climbing discipline. The previous two editions had been limited to Top-Rope Climbing events.The competition was launched in memory of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and commemorates the historic first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953.

Gurung said this year’s event was specially organized to coincide with the historic anniversary. “Until now, May 29 has largely been observed through rallies, certificate distribution ceremonies, and formal programs,” he said. “This is the first time a technical climbing competition has been organized to mark the occasion, and we believe it will contribute positively to the development of climbing sports in Nepal.”He added that hosting the competition on such a historically significant day reflects deep respect for Tenzing Norgay Sherpa’s courage and his remarkable contribution to the field of mountaineering.Organizers expressed confidence that the competition will help further promote Nepal’s growing climbing culture while inspiring younger generations to pursue adventure sports and mountaineering.