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Nepal's next generation of skateboarders stole the show at the national championship

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Nepal's 9th National Skateboard Championship attracted 250 participants, including many under 12, showcasing a growing youth skateboarding scene.
  • The event, held at the new Yama Buddha Skate Park in Kathmandu, was organized by the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association to avoid overshadowing the FIFA World Cup.
  • Skateboarders like 22-year-old champion Sharad Kumar Rai and defending champion Gajendra Bardewa highlighted the importance of such facilities for developing local talent.

While the world's attention turns to football, Nepal's burgeoning skateboarding community recently showcased its talent at the 9th National Skateboard Championship. Held at the newly constructed Yama Buddha Skate Park in Kathmandu, the event drew 250 participants across junior and senior categories.

The tournament concluded successfully thanks to all the seniors and juniors of this skateboarding community.

— Achyut KhanalPresident of the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association (NSSA), speaking after the tournament.

The Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association (NSSA) strategically scheduled the championship to avoid competing with the global FIFA World Cup, aiming to give the sport its own spotlight. Despite some technical postponements, NSSA president Achyut Khanal declared the tournament a resounding success, emphasizing the young participants as the "biggest treasure."

And these are our biggest treasure.

— Achyut KhanalReferring to a group of children under 12 years old participating in the championship.

Veteran skateboarders acknowledged the significant impact of improved facilities. "Our generation of skateboarders would have been at a higher level in terms of skills and experience if we also had this kind of park," said Sharad Kumar Rai, 22, who went on to win the senior boys' category. Even defending champion Gajendra Bardewa, 26, expressed joy in witnessing the juniors' skills, underscoring a positive shift in the sport's development within the country.

Our generation of skateboarders would have been at a higher level in terms of skills and experience if we also had this kind of park.

— Sharad Kumar RaiA 22-year-old competitor in the senior boys' category, reflecting on the new facilities.

The championship also revealed a strong talent pool beyond the capital, with the top three junior boys hailing from Butwal, demonstrating the sport's expanding reach across Nepal.

Yeah, they are great.

— Gajendra BardewaThe defending champion, commenting on the skills shown by the new generation of skateboarders.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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