Skateboarding is relatively a new sport for many people in Nepal. Many still do not know much about the sport though it emerged in Nepal in the early 2000's. Globally, skateboarding started catching on with the youth in the 1950s in California and Hawaii in the United States.
Skateboarding is gradually gaining popularity in Nepal but not at the level that the enthusiasts want it to be at. In fact, many people are not aware that skateboarding has been introduced in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to be held at Ariake Urban Sports Park on coming July 25, 26, and August 4 and 5.
"I have represented Nepal in various international competitions and going to lobby the government to include skateboarding in the main sports event," says Ujjwal Dangol, founder of Ktm Skate Park, which is located in Nayabazaar and is a sanctum for skateboarders in Kathmandu.
Dangol has also established Hamro Skateshop in Bijeshwori that is one of the main shops in Kathmandu selling skateboards and other related paraphernalia. He shares that he got the inspiration to take up skateboarding when he noticed a Japanese national surfing through the streets of Thamel when he was in his teenage. The interest that started as a hobby has now become a passion for Dangol.
Initially, there were not many people involved in skateboarding but now there are more than 1,000 youths who have started playing the sport devotedly. "What is also encouraging is that there are many girls who have also started skateboarding," adds Dangol.
On the downside, we do not have enough parks for skateboarding in Nepal, mentions Basanta Rai, who is also known as Alan in the skateboarding community. "There was one in Kathmandu but that has been closed down as we were not able to pay the rent due to the financial crisis caused by the lockdown imposed by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus," he shares, adding that there is one in Pokhara though.
Basanta, who has also won a gold medal in the men's category at the 2019 Jugaad Skateboarding Competition in Bangalore, India, says there are many skaters in Nepal who are very talented and could win trophies in international events. "However, talent only is not enough because they also need a place to hone their skills."
Lorin Rai, a keen female skater, who stood first in the girl's category, in the 2019 Jugaad Skateboarding Competition in Bangalore, India, says that she first started skateboarding just for fun. "Now, I am very involved in the sport and I would like to represent Nepal more in international competitions," she adds.
One aspect that is very commendable about the skateboaders is that the lack of parks has not stopped them from pursuing their passion. "We have been utilising the basketball court at the Tribhuvan University grounds in Kirtipur," states Lorin.
Meanwhile, all of the skateboarders have just one thought in mind... "When will skateboarding be recognised as a sport by the government in Nepal?"
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