Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition Advances 12 Finalists
The third edition of the ‘Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition’ commenced in Kathmandu on Thursday. A total of 12 athletes, comprising 6 men and 6 women, have qualified for the final round. Organizers noted that this year marks the first time the competition has been held in the lead climbing category. Kathmandu, 14 Jestha.
The third installment of the ‘Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition’ began on Thursday in Kathmandu. In the final phase, 6 male and 6 female climbers secured their spots. Among the male finalists is an international participant. The event is jointly organized by the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association. Organizers explained that the competition aims to promote adventure climbing sports in Nepal and to honor the contributions of world-renowned climbers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary.
The competition features separate events for male and female categories. Winners in both categories will receive cash prizes of NPR 50,000, 30,000, and 20,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. According to Tulsing Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association, the opening ceremony held on Thursday morning was inaugurated by Fur Gelje Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The final round on Friday will be attended by special guest and House of Representatives member Mingma Gyabu Sherpa.
So far, 27 men and 11 women have participated in the competition. President Gurung stated that the top-performing 6 men and 6 women have advanced to the finals. “This year’s competition is especially significant since it is the first time the lead climbing format has been included,” he added. The event, held in memory of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, commemorates the historic first successful ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953, according to the organizers.