Nepali Athletes Receive VIP Airport Access for the First Time as Karate Team Leaves for Asian Games
Nepali athletes representing the country at the 20th Asian Games have received VIP access at Tribhuvan International Airport for the first time, as the national karate team departed for Japan.
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KATHMANDU: Nepal’s national karate team has departed for Japan to begin preparations for the 20th Asian Games, receiving a special gesture of recognition before leaving the country.
For the first time, Nepali athletes representing the country at the Asian Games have been provided VIP access at Tribhuvan International Airport, an initiative introduced as a mark of respect for athletes competing on the international stage.
The karate team was seen off at the airport on Friday by Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel, along with officials from the National Sports Council and Nepal Karate Federation.
A First for Nepal’s National Athletes
According to Minister Pokharel, the VIP airport facility is a small gesture of appreciation for athletes carrying Nepal’s name onto a major international sporting stage.
“As a small effort to respect our athletes, we are happy to provide VIP access at the airport for the first time. Best wishes to all the athletes.”
The initiative is intended not only to make travel more comfortable but also to recognise the effort, discipline and dedication required from athletes preparing to compete internationally.
Minister Pokharel said he was proud of the Nepali athletes representing the country and expressed confidence that they would compete with full commitment and ability.
Karate Becomes Nepal’s First Asian Games Team to Reach Japan
The karate squad is the first of Nepal’s 22 participating sports to travel to Japan for the Asian Games.
The team will train at the World Shitoryu Karate headquarters dojo in Tokyo from September 6 to 16.
After completing the training camp, the team will travel from Tokyo to Nagoya on September 17, where the Asian Games will be held.
The karate competition is scheduled for September 20 to 23.
Nepali Karate Athletes Set for Competition
Nepal will field athletes in several men's and women's categories.
Men’s Categories
Rakesh Manandhar — Under 55 kg
Min Bahadur Tamang — Under 60 kg
Tenzing Sherpa — Over 84 kg
Women’s Categories
Erika Gurung — Over 68 kg
Nirupa Dong Tamang — Under 68 kg
Sanumaya Thing — Individual Kata
Sanumaya Thing will also compete in Team Kata alongside Elisa Raskoti and Megha Limbu.
The team will be coached by Kushal Shrestha and Mandekaji Shrestha.
Officials Gather to See Off the Team
Several sports and government officials attended the airport to wish the athletes success.
Those present included:
National Sports Council Vice-President Bishal Shrestha
Member-Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta
Ministry of Education and Sports Chief Adviser Siddhi Byanjankar
Adviser Raju Singh
Nepal Karate Federation President Yubaraj Lama
National Sports Council Executive Committee member Sikka Suwal Shrestha
Nepal Karate Federation General Secretary Dawa Gurung
More Than an Airport Facility
For athletes who spend years training for the opportunity to represent Nepal, the VIP access is being presented as more than a travel facility.
It is a symbolic gesture of recognition for those carrying the national flag into international competition.
As Nepal prepares for the Asian Games, the karate team's departure marks the beginning of the country's campaign in Japan—and a reminder of the athletes who will represent Nepal far from home.
Published 4 days ago in Sports