Right-to-Run - empowering youth through sports

The first mountain running competition organized by Pokhara Click Pvt. Ltd. on September 28 concluded with active participation from Right4Children. Despite the challenge posed by the rain and slippery terrain, the event saw the participation of 112 individuals, including two foreigners. The event was organized to promote tourism in Pokhara.

The race course covered a total distance of 8 km, starting from the World Peace Pagoda (an altitude of 1,100 meters), passing by the Shiva Temple (at 1,500 meters), and finishing at Buddha Park (at 1300 meters).

The competition was inaugurated by Tanka Lal Ghising, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council. The first-place finisher Niroj Bhatta from the Armed Police Force completed the race in 41 minutes and 22 seconds. In the under-16 category, Sagar Devkota from Pokhara-22 secured the first position with a time of 53 minutes and 6 seconds. In the women’s category, Nitu Tamang, Right4Children’s Sports Coach completed the race in 55 minutes and 21 seconds, securing the first position.

Right4Children participated in the competition as a part of one of its Right-to-Run (R2R) initiative which is being implemented in the Machhapuchhcre Rural Municipality of Kaski district. The R2R program is part of the Child-Friendly School (CFS) Follow-up project which focuses on promoting equality for boys and girls in sports, especially in Nepal, where girls’ sports participation has historically been lower. The project aims to increase children’s attendance rates and prevent school dropouts emphasizing girls’ involvement in sports and activities with boys to build confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork skills.

A total of 26 students from 12 project-implementing schools participated in the race. Two Sports Coaches of Right4Children, Nitu Tamang and Padam Kumari Sunuwar, coordinated the student selection, transportation, logistics, and participation of students in the competition.

Nitu Tamang shared, “The school children had a valuable experience completing the entire running distance without any injuries. Despite not winning any positions, they gained real-life exposure to competition beyond their school and village.”

The weather presented the main challenge. As a result, the competition had to start 3 hours later than scheduled.

“I felt proud of our students for performing relatively well despite not having sufficient gear and preparation. It shows that they can achieve even greater success in the future if their basic needs are met and are mentally and physically fit,” commented Apsara Gurung, Right4Children’s Extra-Curricular Activities Coordinator.

After the trail running competition, students had the opportunity to compete in a friendly match with Indian students at the Pokhara Stadium in the Indo-Nepal Friendly Athletics Competition. Participants were awarded medals and certificates.