Sharad and Khushi Crowned Winners at the 9th National Skateboard Competition
The 9th National Skateboard Competition successfully concluded in Kathmandu. Winners of the competition were awarded prizes. Sharad Kumar Rai secured first place in the men’s senior category, while Khushi Bik took the top spot in the women’s category. Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel emphasized the government’s commitment to developing sports, including skateboarding, by constructing playgrounds on open public land.
On May 31 in Kathmandu, the event was organized by the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association. The competition, which began on Saturday, concluded on Sunday evening with prize distribution by National Sports Council (RACHEP) Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta, who presented cash prizes, shields, medals, and certificates to the winners.
In the men’s senior category, Sharad Kumar Rai finished first, Vijay Limbu second, and Vijay Gurung third. In the women’s category, Khushi Bik was first, Samiksha Rai second, and Samira Ranamagar third. In the men’s junior category, Ankit Bik took first place, Abhisesh Pariyar second, and Sandesh Nepali third. Cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners in the senior men’s and women’s categories were NPR 30,000, NPR 20,000, and NPR 15,000 respectively. Junior men’s and women’s category winners received NPR 15,000, NPR 10,000, and NPR 5,000 accordingly. The competition saw participation from 150 male and 100 female athletes nationwide.
The two-day event featured a qualifying round on Saturday, followed by a final competition among the top contestants on Sunday. During the inauguration ceremony Sunday morning, Minister Pokharel stated that the construction of M-Buddh Park would help elevate the level of skating and skateboarding sports. He said, “The government is committed to developing playgrounds for sports like skateboarding on open public lands.” Highlighting the ongoing construction of M-Buddh Park near Pahilo Pul in Ward No. 5, Handigaun, Kathmandu, the minister urged for its safe and proper use.
At the prize ceremony, Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta of RACHEP mentioned the government’s policy to promote the development and expansion of all sports and to address athletes’ concerns. He added that infrastructure development for skating supports both players and the overall growth of the sport. The national skateboard competition has previously been held in Viratnagar, Butwal, Pokhara, and Kathmandu. The inauguration and prize distribution events were chaired by Association President Achyut Khanal.