Anita Rai- Solukhumbu- NTS Athlete- Promoting Columbia Montreal Gear for fall season
Anita Rai in the Manaslu Mountain Stage Trail Race 202 by Trail Running Nepal2- Pic: Manaslu Trail Race
Anita Rai is from Mahakulung village in Solukhumbu district. Born to the farmer’s family, poverty wasn’t the only misfortune surrounding Anita’s childhood. At the age of 8, her parents divorced and she was separated from her siblings. Anita was sent to help the aunt who was running a small hotel in Kathmandu.
Anita’s childhood memories are filled with the hardships of a child laboring in the hotel, for shelter and education as promised by her aunt in exchange for help.
Surprisingly, she has been academically sharp convincing the teachers in her primary school to let her skip the grades.
“ In village I was in grade 2 but I was made to repeat nursery when I admitted to school in Kathmandu. I loved going to school and studying. In coming years, I could skip few grades and join my peers.”
In a Sherpa attire
My sister married at 16 and got a stable job and place to live in Pokhara. She called me back and I reunited with my brother and sister. In 2017 I raced the first Running race for my school in Pokhara organized at the District level, I won the 400 m race and for the first time in my life, I felt confident about something in my life. After that, I made an effort to race in any running race organized near me- Pokhara Trail Race series was my first trail race and the organizers supported me to race locally.
Anita with the organiser of Pokhara Trail Race Series
In 2022, Anita was selected in the EK PAILA AGADI PROGRAM by EcoHimal organisation partnered with Mira Rai initiative.
I got so many opportunities to race through the Eco Himal project. I feel the most confident when I am racing in the competitions.
Under the Ek Paila Agadi Project Anita has been introduced to various skills of trekking guide training, Rock climbing, Wilderness first aid training. She is also given opportunity for Duathlon events and has ranked 2nd in the National duathlon games held in 2022.
We are in talks with Columbia Sportswear Nepal who shows interest in supporting this rising athlete and contribute in supporting her running career.