Nepali Team Triumphs in Nepal-China International Mountain Cross Country Race Competition

The Nepal-China International Mountain Cross Country Race Competition concluded with the Nepali team clinching victory in Pokhara on Saturday. In the challenging 40-km run, Suman Kulung, Indrakala Nembang, and Ramesh Limbu secured the first position, earning a commendable Rs 360,000 cash prize.

Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and the Nepal Tourism Board, the competition witnessed spirited participation. Shrebi Maharjan, Mahesh Tharu, and Basanta Tharu of Nepal secured the second position, earning a cash prize of Rs 288,000.

Shreekas Rai, Tilak Sunuwar, and Keshari Thapa Magar of the Nepali team claimed the third spot, receiving a cash prize of Rs 216,000. The Chinese team, consisting of Lin Xiaqji, Yang Chunheng, and Hou Qing, secured the fourth position with a cash prize of Rs 144,000.

Nepal’s athlete Homlal Shrestha stood out in the 38-km race, securing the first position and receiving a cash prize of Rs 144,000. Bed Bahadur Sunuwar, Tirtha Tamang, and Karan Wala secured the second, third, and fourth positions, earning cash prizes of Rs 108,000, Rs 54,000, and Rs 18,000, respectively.

Gokarna Karki, Coordinator of the Award section, shared that the Nepal-China International Mountain Cross Country Competition, held under the slogan “Race for Shared Prosperity,” is a joint initiative aimed at promoting friendly relations through sports. The event featured group and individual competitions, a happy run, and a student run, with 20 groups participating in the group competition category.

The competition, covering a distance of 40 kilometers involving running, cycling, and boating, began at Barahighat in Lakeside, passing through picturesque locations such as Birauta, Furse Khola, Ramadi, Ulleri, Bhumdi, Lukunswarna, and Lichibot, before concluding at Barahighat.

The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Gandaki Surendra Raj Pandey, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, and Mayor of Pokhara Dhanraj Acharya. Chief Minister Pandey expressed confidence that the event would enhance Pokhara’s global popularity and contribute to the development of sports tourism. Ambassador Song noted that such events strengthen the enduring relationship between Nepal and China, citing the success of the Nepal China Dragon Boat Festival in Pokhara in attracting more Chinese tourists to the lake city.