The sixth Lalitpur Climbing Festival concluded with vibrant energy at the Asend Climbing Center in Jhamsikhel, showcasing young climbers, honoring journalist Kalpana Maharjan’s historic dual Everest ascent, and reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to sport climbing.
The annual event, held on May 23, commemorates Maharjan’s 2018 (Nepal) and 2019 (China) Everest summits, recognized in the Genich World Record, symbolizing empowerment and advocacy against child marriage.
Hon. Tejulal Chaudhary, Minister of Youth and Sports, inaugurated the event by climbing the wall, energizing the crowd. He pledged enhanced government support, stating, “Climbing embodies determination and opportunity. We will strategically invest in its growth.”
The “May 23 KMES – Vertical Challenge Cup 2025” saw over 65 climbers aged 4–18 compete in a knockout-style speed climbing event, adhering to IFSC standards. Chief Route Setter Niraj Karki designed the challenging dual routes.
Winners (Under-18 Category):
Girls:
🥇 Sanseela Tamang (13)
🥈 Kekasha Khan (15)
🥉 Pooja Danuwar (15)
Boys:
🥇 Sabin Banjam (17)
🥈 Dipendra Danuwar (15)
🥉 Ratan Kadayat (16)
The Nepal Sport Climbing Association (NCSA) awarded National Athlete Certificates to 26 climbers (13 boys, 12 girls, 1 para athlete):
Male: Sabin Banjam, Dipendra Danuwar, Ratan Kadayat, Dipesh Danuwar, Arun Danuwar, Ashish Magar, Krishna Kumar, Som Tamang, Amit Karki, Jesus Khatri, Asian Rayamajhi, Sheetal GC, Dhananjay Raj Ranger Gurung (JJ).
Female: Sanseela Tamang, Kekasha Khan, Pooja Danuwar, Indu Danuwar, Mariyam Thokar, Pratima Basnet, Binisha Nagarkoti, Preeti Shah, Trishna KC, Dipasha Danuwar, Bianca Maharjan, Pravisha Pokhrel.
Para Athlete: Shishan Maharjan.
Youngest Participant: Yubragi Maharjan (4 years old).
International climbing figures sent messages of encouragement, including Stephane David (IFSC, Oceania), Li Guowei (IFSC, Asia), Yasmine Gahtani (IFSC Asia), Chris Klinke (Trango), JoAnne Carilli (EP Climbing, USA), Madison Richardson (Canada), Jesse Grupper (USA Olympian), and Olympic silver medalists Brooke Raboutou and Nathaniel Coleman.
Attendees included Shanti Pandey (Kathmandu District Coordination Committee), Bam Bahadur Baniya (National Children Rights Council), Rabin Maharjan (Lalitpur District Sport Development Committee), Govinda Nepal (Onlinekhabar), NCSA Chief Advisor Govinda Bhattrai, and NCSA Advisor Thakur Prasad Neupane.
Chaired by Santosh Madan (NCSA General Secretary) and hosted by Rupesh Adhikari (KVSA-NCSA President), the festival was supported by sponsors including Mountain Adventure Sports Academy, Bagmati Province Sports Development Council, Yarsarooms.com, Hotel Sabrina, Hotel Pabera Boutique Hotel, Yarsa Silajit, Kaagbeni Silajit (USA), Trango, Visit Nepal, Tori Ko Tel, Mussa Masala, Wongchu Peak, and Anjan Chartered Accountant and Associates. Patan Academy of Health Sciences was the medical partner, with Asend Climbing as the venue partner and NLG Insurance providing athlete coverage.
महिला धनाढ्य १० फुटबलर यि हुन्
The festival continues to inspire youth, promote community engagement, and honor Kalpana Maharjan’s legacy, fostering Nepal’s climbing future one wall at a time.
