Nepal’s Ultra Runners Still Await Recognition

Nepal’s ultra runners have been making history in international competitions, but they are yet to receive the recognition they deserve from the government.

Recently, ultra runner Sunmaya Budha made history by winning the La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy, setting a new course record in the process. However, upon her return to Nepal, she was not given a grand welcome or any formal recognition by the government.

A Lack of Support

Despite their international success, Nepal’s ultra runners have not received the support they need from the government. The government’s recent announcement of a cash prize and recognition scheme for athletes does not include ultra and trail runners.

Sunmaya’s achievement is not an isolated incident. She has been consistently winning international competitions, including the Hong Kong, China, and South Africa ultra marathons. She is also the first Asian woman to win a medal in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship.

However, all of Sunmaya’s achievements have been made without any government support or recognition. Her training, international participation, and management have been largely supported by the private sector and sports management companies.

A Growing Concern

The lack of recognition for Nepal’s ultra runners is a growing concern. The government’s decision to exclude ultra and trail runners from the recognition scheme has sparked a heated debate in the sports community.

Trail running experts say that Nepal has the potential to become a hub for international trail running due to its unique geography, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. However, the government’s lack of support for the sport is hindering its growth.

Nepal’s ultra runners have come together to demand better support and recognition from the government. They are calling for timely visa and administrative arrangements for international competitions, financial support for competitions abroad, development of coaches, sports science, and medical support, and a strong and effective national sports association.

They also demand equal government recognition, prizes, and incentives for international medal winners. According to them, fulfilling these demands does not require a large infrastructure or expensive stadiums, but rather the government’s willpower, clear policies, and responsible implementation.

The ultra runners are now looking to the new government to address their concerns. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to their demands and recognize their contributions to the country’s sports scene.