Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary Crowned Champions at Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition
Summary: Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary emerged as champions in the third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing competition. This year, the event was held in the technically challenging lead climbing format instead of the traditional top-rope method. Organized in memory of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, the competition aims to promote adventure climbing sports in Nepal. (May 29, Kathmandu)
In the third installment of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing competition held Friday at Astrek, Kathmandu, Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary claimed the titles in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. The event was jointly organized by the Nepal National Mountain Guiding Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association, featuring competition in both men’s and women’s divisions.
In the men’s category, Ronak Upreti secured first place, followed by Mirko Leros in second and Tenzing Bartin Rai in third. Swastika Chaudhary won the women’s category, with Yankila Sherpa finishing second and Panchmaya Tamang taking third place. The winners in both categories received cash prizes of NPR 50,000, with NPR 30,000 awarded to runners-up and NPR 20,000 to third place finishers. The final round included 12 climbers—6 men and 6 women—with one foreign climber among the finalists in the men’s division.
Member of Parliament Mingma Gyabu Sherpa attended the finals as chief guest, while Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of legendary climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, was present as a special guest. Other dignitaries present included Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism; Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA); Laxuman Tamang, Chapter Coordinator of the US Nepal Climbers Association; and Santosh Maden, General Secretary of the Nepal Climbing Sports Association.
Tulasing Gurung, President of the Nepal National Mountain Guiding Association, noted that this edition was special as it was the first time the competition was held in the lead climbing format, which is more technically demanding. The previous two editions featured the top-rope climbing method.
The organizers stated that the competition’s primary goal is to promote adventure climbing in Nepal while honoring the contributions of world-renowned climbers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The event commemorates the historic first ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. According to Gurung, the competition was specially organized this year to coincide with May 29, a day traditionally observed with rallies, certificate ceremonies, and formal events. “This year, for the first time, we have organized a technically challenging lead climbing competition, which will play a positive role in developing Nepal’s climbing sector,” he explained. He added that holding the competition on such a significant historical day reflects deep respect for Tenzing Norgay’s courage and his contributions to mountaineering.
Organizers hope that this competition will further encourage the growth of Nepal’s adventurous climbing culture and inspire younger generations to engage in adventure sports and mountaineering.