Nepal's participation in the Winter Olympics

While Nepal is a mountainous country, the activities of snow sports have not flourished as much. From time to time activities like skiing are conducted in different mountainous areas and people from different countries come to Nepal for it, the sport has yet to make a mark in the nation.

The Government of Nepal has issued a directive requiring permission for skiing and provision has been made to allow the use of helicopters. It has been mentioned that a maximum of 20 people in a group can be allowed to go skiing for a maximum of 10 days.

 Some Nepalis have been training professionally for skiing in different regions including Manang and Mustang, however it is only limited.

Nepal Mountaineering Academy (NMA) has called for applications for the training and eligible Nepali citizens are invited to apply for Ski level 1 and 2. The training is conducted jointly by Nepal Mountain Academy and Nepal National Mountaineering Guides Association (NNMGA) in the month of January to February 2022. The academy has also taken Nepalis to Monali, India forthe training.

Meanwhile, Safal Ram Shrerstha is leaving for the Paganella Ski Resort, Trento, Italy on December 9, 2021 to prepare for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Shrestha will also participate in various International FIS Championships from Italy to January 16, 2022.

Nepal's participation in the upcoming Olympics is yet to be ascertained. Only Shrestha's result in the European competition will ensure Nepal's participation. Although skiing training in Nepal has not been sufficient, Nepali athletes have been participating in competitions such as the Winter Olympics and the Winter Asian Games. Meanwhile Nepal's skier Shrestha had been selected for the final round of the previous FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in Italy.

 Nepal has been participating in the Winter Olympics since 2002 and also in the Winter Olympics in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. In 2002, Jay Khadka participated in cross country skiing. And on the other hand, representing the nation three times in 2006, 2010 and 2014, Dachiri Sherpa competed in the 15 km cross country ski. Earlier, many Nepali Sherpas and other climbers have shown their skills by skiing in the mountains including Mount Blanc, the largest mountain in Europe.

The Nepal Ski Association organized national competitions for Nepali athletes in Rasuwa and Mustang to encourage those interested in the sport. It has been felt that such an effort has contributed to the birth of skiers and has increased the interest of the people towards this sport.

The government is expected to be active in snow sports in the mountainous country. And if the entrepreneurs also emphasize on sports like skiing in a commercial way, it can help in the development of tourism in the country and open doors for talented athletes as well.