Top 5 Nepali vs International Trail Runners of the World 2024 (Source: ITRA)
Suman Kulung flying in Austria. Supported by Dr. Sigrid Foundation and sponsored by Salomon. Suman ranks the top of ITRA national charts for Nepal. Picture Courtesy: Facebook
While Volleyball is the national sport of Nepal, Nepal's performance in international volleyball has seen some progress but remains relatively modest compared to other sports. The national team has competed in regional tournaments like the South Asian Games (SAG) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) events. While Nepal has achieved some success in regional competitions, including winning medals at the SAG, it has yet to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Nepal's performance in the Olympic Games has been modest, with the country yet to win an Olympic medal. Nepalese athletes have participated in various disciplines such as athletics, judo, shooting, swimming, and taekwondo. Despite the lack of podium finishes, their participation is seen as a source of national pride and an inspiration for future generations. Continuous efforts are being made to improve training facilities and support for athletes to enhance their competitiveness on the Olympic stage.
Nepal's performance in international football has been inconsistent, with some regional successes but limited impact on the larger Asian stage. Conversely, Nepal's cricket team has made significant strides, achieving ODI status and competing in events like the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers. While cricket has seen more notable international success, both sports enjoy widespread popularity and passionate support within Nepal. Continued development and investment are essential for further progress in both football and cricket.
Sunmaya Budha from Jumla hits record timing in China’s Wenling 70 km race in the spring of 2024. Read the full article on the South China morning post here. Currently she holds the top ITRA female rank in Nepal.
The popularity of mountain and trail running has surged significantly globally over the past two decades, driven by a growing global interest in outdoor and adventure sports. The rise of adventure and endurance sports globally has brought attention to trail running. Events like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and Western States Endurance Run have gained prominence, inspiring athletes worldwide.
The US market for trail running gear, including shoes, apparel, and accessories, is valued at approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion.The European market for trail running gear is estimated to be around $800 million to $1 billion. Similar to the US, Europe has seen a rise in trail running popularity, contributing to market expansion. Major trail running events and the presence of mountainous regions in countries like France, Italy, and Switzerland support this growth.
Arjun Rai Kulung galloping at 13336 ft in the Skyrace Pikey Peak 2023. Arjun raced as team member of Asia Pacific Athletes group sponsored by the North Face Asia. Local star, currently he’s 3rd on ITRA Top Nepali Male awaiting sponsorship. Picture credits : Nepal Trail Series
Nepali trail and ultra athletes have gained significant recognition in international mountain and trail running races, often excelling due to their natural high-altitude training grounds. Nepali trail runners like Dawa Dachhiri Sherpa, Sange Sherpa, Sunmaya Budha, Bhim Gurung, Tirtha Tamang, Mira Rai have achieved remarkable success, winning prestigious events and setting records. Mira Rai, had become an international icon, earning accolades such as the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2017. The country's rugged terrain and high-altitude environment provide an excellent training ground, contributing to the strong performance of Nepali athletes in this field. While the sport was unrecognized in Nepal for years even when the Nepali athletes were making headlines, it was only in 2023 that National Sports council paved the way for it’s national recognition and setting up of a Adventure Running Federation to encourage the sport.Trail running attracts a more niche audience focused on endurance sports and outdoor activities which can be both a boon and curse for the country plagued by political instability and limited standard of life.
Tirtha Tamang, currently 2nd best Nepali male athlete in the ITRA ranks had been the runner up for the World Skyrunning Championships in Switzerland, 2018. He made a comeback in 2024 by ranking top 10 in gruelling Anta Hong Kong 100 race. Picture credit: Nepal Trail Series
The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) performance scoring system is designed to evaluate and standardize the performance of trail runners across various events globally. Introduced to enhance fairness and transparency in trail running, the ITRA scoring system assigns scores based on runners' results in qualifying races.
The elite level has been redefined by raising the entry level to above 825 for men whereas previously it was above 800. In women it is considered to be above 700.
The categories have been refined. A new category, top elite, has been created. This category - for men with a score of 900 and above and women with a score of 775 and above - comprises a very small number of runners, namely the very best in the world.
TOP 5 MEN AND WOMEN IN THE WORLD 2024
TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL TRAIL MEN AND TOP 5 NEPALI TRAIL MEN
Current performance scores and their Best race performance scores
TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL TRAIL woMEN AND TOP 5 NEPALI TRAIL woMEN
Current performance scores and their Best race performance scores
What was the BEST when Nepali athletes performed their best?
The top Nepali male and female athlete- Suman Kulung is supported by Dr. Sigrid Foundation in Austria who have been able to secure him sponsorship with Salomon team and fund his international races. Suman trains mostly in Europe at the present. Sunmaya Budha- who tops the women’s international ranking is supported by the Asia Pacific Athlete group who have been able to secure her sponsorship with the Kailas Sportswear Brand. The very likely sport where Nepal can still dream of attaining a World Champion title is the discipline of Mountain and Trail Running. But we need a focused approach and transparency of intention and implementation.
To improve Nepal's performance in world mountain and trail running championships, we should focus on several key areas. First, educating stakeholders, media, and the community on the discipline is crucial. We must have coaching and capacity building trainings to encourage local trainers. Establishing high-altitude training camps and hiring professional coaches will significantly enhance athlete preparation. Next, developing infrastructure, such as well-maintained trails and regular training camps, is crucial. Securing sponsorships and providing medical and nutritional support will ensure our athletes have the necessary resources. Regular participation in international competitions and exchange programs will offer invaluable experience and exposure. Promoting the sport locally and hosting more races will build a larger talent pool. Lastly, collaboration with global organizations and support from the government and private sector will create a robust support network for our athletes.
This is one sport that is natural to Nepal’s majestic Himalayan terrain and the youth raised on it. Unlike the Nepali representation in the Olympics, Nepali athletes have had a considerable podium finish it is only but befitting that this sport and it’s professional potential should be seen as a source of national pride and an inspiration for future generations.
Written by Preeti Khattri
Director Nepal Trail Series & Executive member of Nepal Adventure Running Federation
Trail running camps | Trail Races | Athlete Management | Trail Therapy and Advocacy
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