Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary Crowned National Sport Climbing Champions 2026

KATHMANDU — The Nepal Climbing Sports Association (NCSA) successfully hosted the National Sport Climbing Championship 2026 at the Kathmandu Sports Climbing Center. Organized in the thrilling bouldering discipline, this year’s one-day national championship showcased 42 top-tier athletes (35 men and 7 women) pushing their limits across intense qualification and final rounds.

The prestigious event was officially inaugurated by Mr. Ram Charitra Mehta, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC). Building on last year’s historic revival of the championship after a six-year hiatus, this edition marks another major milestone in cementing an annual competitive pathway for Nepalese climbing athletes.

Championship Podium & Prize Highlights

The top three athletes from both categories were awarded medals, certificates, cash prizes, and premium climbing gear worth approximately NPR 100,000 courtesy of Gear Partner Pelliot Nepal.

Men’s Bouldering Category

• Champion (1st Place): Ronak Upreti (NPR 30,000)
• Runner-up (2nd Place): Pemba Tsewang Sherpa Rai (NPR 20,000)
• Third Place: Sulav Rai (NPR 10,000)

Women’s Bouldering Category

• Champion (1st Place): Swastika Chaudhary (NPR 30,000)
• Runner-up (2nd Place): Manisha Budha Magar (NPR 20,000)
• Third Place: Rabika Bhiman Maharjan (NPR 10,000)

Strategic Partnerships and International Technical Support

To ensure the competition met elite international standards, NCSA collaborated with key national and global technical organizations:

• International Technical Support: The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) provided crucial technical expertise, notably deploying Mr. Ningombam Chitrasen Singh as the event’s Chief Route Setter.
• Technical Partner: The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) co-managed the technical execution of the routes and safety protocols.

📢 Elite Athlete Sponsorship Announcement

During the closing ceremony, Black Diamond brand representative Mr. Shange Sherpa announced an exclusive In-Kind Gear Sponsorship for one male and one female athlete chosen to represent Nepal in upcoming international climbing competitions.

The Selection Process: NCSA will formally evaluate and recommend high-potential athletes based on performance and dedication. The final partnership will be codified via a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) directly between Black Diamond and the selected athletes.

Corporate Gratitude & Looking Forward

The closing awards ceremony was graced by Mr. Ramji Bahadur Shrestha (Deputy Secretary General of the Nepal Olympic Committee) alongside NCSA President Mr. Ramesh Poudel.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Poudel highlighted the incredible surge in youth participation and reiterated NCSA’s commitment to establishing a formalized annual competition calendar to continuously elevate sport climbing across Nepal.

NCSA extends its deepest gratitude to the collective community of partners and corporate sponsors who made this landmark event possible: