Kathmandu: Kathmandu is set to host the first Late Babu Chiri Sherpa Memorial Open Sport Climbing Competition on March 14, as revealed during a press conference today by Nwang Nima Sherpa, President of the Alpine Sports Association (ASP). Jointly organized by the New York-based Alpine Sports Association, INC., and Everest Summitter’s Association (ESA), the event will take place at the Crimpanzee Adventure Hub in Bauddha.

During the press conference, President Nwang Nima Sherpa announced the establishment of the Alpine Sports Association-North America-Nepal in New York, focusing on promoting adventure mountain sports internationally. He highlighted the significant role such competitions play in promoting adventurous mountain sports.

Maya Sherpa, President of the Everest Summitters’ Association, remembered the late Babu Chiri Sherpa, emphasizing the need for more competitions to honor legendary climbers like him. She mentioned that the competition will be an annual event and highlighted ESA’s role in preserving Babu Chiri Sherpa’s legacy through the maintenance of his statue and museum.

Technical support for the competition, including route setting, judging, safety, and Beley service, will be provided by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA). The competition will feature categories for both men and women, offering cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 15,000 for the first, second, and third-place winners, respectively.

Late Babu Chiri Sherpa, renowned for his exceptional mountaineering feats, will be honored through this competition. Having summited Mount Everest ten times and setting two world records on the mountain, his legacy remains an integral part of the Himalayan mountaineering history. Unfortunately, he passed away on April 29, 2001, during his 11th attempt to climb Everest.