Musa Masala Advanced Lead Climbing Competition
“Such a joyful event today. Thank you all for inspiring and supporting indoor climbing in Nepal. Our appreciation goes out to the jury, and technical team. Thanks to all the participants, audience and guests, media, security and medical teams, all our sponsors and everyone who joined us here today. Thank you so much, and congratulations to our winners!” — Lakpa Sherpa, Chairperson, Wongchhu Peak Promotion, event organizer
Looking back on our 2024 Lead Climbing Competition in Nepal
What a day! We really hope all the climbers had as much fun as we did at our Advanced Lead Competition at Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center on November 23rd.
Our goal with these competitions is simple: provide an opportunity for climbers to come together to test themselves and have a good time.
So many people helped to bring this competition together, let’s start with the organizers, Lakpa Sherpa and Wongchhu Peak Promotion. Our special thanks go out to Ang Diku Sherpa, who, with all her duties coordinating a full trekking season, put the entire program together and got everyone to the same place on the same page. Sangita Rai and Rajat Maharjan worked tirelessly to bring it all together.
At the Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center we want to thank Pranil Shrestha, Sujit Kandel, Rusha Pradhan and the whole team who have an excellent facility, an awesome atmosphere and the Caffé-inn that kept us drinked up.
Here are a few words from Pranil: “We were amazed at how our last competition turned out. The energy and enthusiasm from all participants and staff were truly inspiring. The entire team felt a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. It was incredible to see everyone’s hard work and dedication payoff.”
Gear and route setting
Binod Mani and Nirvana Gears supplied our striking shirt and short combo for each competitor. What a great, stylish look these brought to the event.
No climbing competition gets very far without the route setter and the route setting team. Thank you, Niraj Karki, chief route setter. The technical coordinator with the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association was Mr. Lopsang Sherpa.
The route setters and belay team
(What a distinguished group, from NNMGA, of mountain guides!! We were so honored to have them with us.)
Mr. Abrial Rai
Mr. Prakash Gurung
Mr. Nirojwol Shakya
Mr. Ashesh Gurung
Mr. Dorjee Sherpa
Mr. Tendi Sherpa
Mr. Pasang Rinzee Sherpa
Our judges were key to the event, and we are super grateful for the jury team:
Mr. Tshering Pande Bote
Mr. Pasang Kidar Sherpa
Ms. Panchamaya Tamang
Mr. Narendra Shahi
Fun atmosphere and face painting
This was the second big competition this year at Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center. We are so happy to get to work with this team, right in the center of Thamel. We had so many people come in off the street to see what was going on it added to the full house party atmosphere.
When Lakpa Xindoma Sherpa showed up to provide face painting, a crowd of families and children lined up outside the door. Truly, art became a highlight of the day. Along with Xindoma, we had Julie Ramirez, who started the big chalkboard art project that lasted through the day.
See the pics. It was so much fun and seeing how everyone had the chance to contribute was a telling testament to a beautiful day.
Our first two competitions were held at the amazing Crimpanzee Climbing Hub, a top rope beginner and an intermediate lead comp. This time going for advanced level climbing meant the challenge was really on for the climbers and for us to create an exciting event.
Energy and determination
We turned to the man, Lama Dai, Rajesh Lama, to bring the energy, and he did! All day he drove it ahead and kept the pace up and the power flowing. Only someone who walked from his house to the top of the world could harness the energy that created this firework show of a climbing comp.
As we went through our two divisions to get our final climbers, we got to see a lot of determination and skill. We are so grateful to each and every climber who entered. We look to you to make this community one where everyone gets a chance to grow, learn and make friends.
This competition was authorized by the Nepal Climbing Sport Association (NCSA),and the International Federation of Sport Climbing Association, (IFSCA).
Supported by the Nepal Olympic Committee and the Nepal Sports Council.
Our technical team was provided by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association
Competition winners
The final round in the men’s and women’s divisions were just amazing. The routes were stout, a real test of climbing skill. When the dust settled and the cake had been eaten (cake courtesy of Panchamaya Tamang!) Here were our champions:
Men’s winners, with cash prize:
Ronak Upreti, Nepal, 35,000 NPR
Vincent Salish, USA 25000 NPR
Pemba Tsewana Sherpa, Nepal 15,000 NPR
Women’s winners, with cash prize:
Rachel Davidson, USA, 35000 NPR
Swastika Chaudhary, Nepal 25000 NPR
Anne Mai Baan, Netherlands 15000 NPR
The prizes were epic, cash awards, gear and meals!
Our Individual sponsors:
Pem Dorjee Sherpa
Kami Sherpa
Tendi Sherpa
Ang Phula Sherpa.
Melissa Perkins
Matt Perkins
Our personal sponsors understand the excitement of the cash prizes at the end of the competition. There’s nothing like a big giant check to make you feel good!
Our in Kind Sponsors:
Raeko Brand
The Nepali Ghar Hotel
The Hotel Mulberry
The Yak and Yeti Hotel
The Soltee Hotel
La Sportiva
Nirvana Gear
Black Diamond
Makalu e Traders
Everest Hardware
Heli Connection
These sponsors are all dedicated to the success of indoor climbing in Nepal. We urge everyone to put these sponsors into your plans for your outdoor adventure and entertainment needs. We thrive because they get involved.
Our medical needs were taken care of by our partners at the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). Thank you, Dr. Suraz Shrestha, for being there for the climbers.
Transport was on call with the Nepal Ambulance Service.
Insurance was provided by IGI Prudential Insurance.
Sound system, Creative Sound and Lights.
Vision Security Systems provided venue security.
Our friends did the still photography, Mr. Luja Manandhar.
Mr. Raj Kumar Shrestha did the motion video and we put together a short video we hope you like to highlight the energy and fun of the climbing and the great crowd.
More to come!
As part of Musa Masala’s dedication to the indoor community we are offering the top three in each division the chance to form a team to compete outside of Nepal in 2025. Our objective is to create goals for climbers to strive for, give climbers experience in the international climbing world, and return to help train and share experiences with up and coming climbers. More to come on this as we move into the new year!
Thank you to all the climbers and thanks to everyone who came to support them. We have seen so much growth in 2024, let’s keep going. Let’s all work together to build this community with introducing more climbers to what Panchamaya Tamang calls “this beautiful sport." Every climb, let’s make it better.
Jam Jam!!
