Nepali Climbers Compete in India

This is what success looks like: getting together with people who inspire you to create and overcome obstacles that lead to good for all. We’ve been able to experience this at Musa Masala many times, but our involvement with the Nepal indoor climbing community has been so rewarding and exciting that few things have given us more fun and incentive. This post is written by Tenzin Khando Tamang, a very gifted climber and writer!

Here is a link to her poetry, Article thought in poetry: 2023 . We are so grateful to her for writing this article.

These seven climbers climb not just for themselves, but to grow the sport they love in Nepal, to help build the infrastructure and bring new climbers into the sport. They are just amazing, beautiful people who have been a true inspiration to us at Musa Masala. We will continue with our journey, a journey started when Panchamaya agreed to work with us to create our first climbing competition and clinics. We are so proud of these climbers and how brave and caring they are, Jam Jam!!!

The team in front of the TATA Steel banner. Tenzing Tin Tin Rai, Manisha Bhutamagar, Sulav Rai, Panchamaya Tamang, Tenzin Khando Tamang, Pemba Tsewang Rai Sherpa, Swastika Chaudhary

Nepali climbers compete in India!!

By Tenzin Khando Tamang

Climbing has always helped us grow and given us a life filled with freedom, a healthy mindset, and mental peace. Climbing is where we grew up and spent our teenage years holding a dream to become a great climber. 

This year 2025 January 27 we climbers got one of the best opportunities to go and participate in the TATA Steel International Sport Climbing Competition in Jamshedpur, India, for the first time as  Nepali Climbers. We are more than grateful to Musa Masala, which was only possible due to their sponsorship. 

All together, we were 6 climbers Tenzing Bartin Rai, Sulav Rai, Manisha Bhutamagar, Swastika Chaudhari, Tenzin khando Tamang, Pemba Tsewang Rai Sherpa, and Pancha Maya Tamang as a manager. Here, I would to thank Musa Masala for sponsoring Swastika Chaudhary, Tenzin Khando Tamang, Pemba Tsewang, and Pancha Maya Tamang. On November 23rd, 2024 Musa Masala organized an Advanced Lead Climbing Competition where the position holders get the opportunity to participate in an International competition. Luckily, we made it with our hard work, rigid training and determination. Lukla Outdoor sponsored Tin Tin, Manisha and Sulav, providing important support for the climbers.

Wongchhu Peak Promotion provided the competition shirts for Swastika, Khando, Pemba and Panchamaya.

Front row, Khando Tamang, Manisha Bhutamagar, Swastika Chaudhary; Back row, Sulav Rai, Pemba Tsewang Rai Sherpa, Tenzing Tin Tin Rai

We were really excited about the India competition. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the team from Tata Sports Academy. They took good care of us by providing a wonderful place to stay, eat and manage transportation. We would like to express our appreciation for their cooperation and warm hospitality. 

On the day of competition, we were surprised to see climbers from different countries Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India. At first, we were a little nervous because it was our first time competing in an international competition, holding big holds felt different and the climbing route and style were next level but still, we didn't lose hope and motivate each other. We gave our best in the competition. After all, it’s all about learning, experiencing, and improving our climbing skills. 

We got inspired by other’s climbing style, their spirit, and their techniques. Especially, the youth climbers gave us goosebumps. Watching them climb was like a huge inspiration for us. Also, we made friends with Indian climbers.  after the competition, we climbed together and shared our climbing lifestyle.  We were shocked at how they were trained. Through their stories and experiences, we felt like we needed someone to guide us or as a coach. The last day, before returning, they took us to taste their local Indian food. It was so good, and we experienced so much more than we expected. They love our climbing T-shirts from Musa Masala and Wongchhu Peak Promotion so we gave them as a present and they were really happy. Thank you WPP for providing us t-shirts.

The team at the competition with their Certificates of Appreciation from TATA Steel Climbing

Here, we would like to share the experience of our few climbers:

Pemba Tsewang Sherpa. It's his first time participating in the TATA climbing competition:

It was a good experience to be a part of a competition held in India, thanks to the Musa Masala for sponsoring me. It was new to me and I'm so grateful.

Swastika Chaudhary. It's her second time in the TATA climbing competition:

My Experience at the Tata Cup, Jamshedpur

Competing in India has always been an exciting challenge for me—an opportunity to test my limits, adapt to new rules, and tackle fresh technical routes. This time, I had the privilege of participating in the Tata Cup in Jamshedpur.  Our team was proudly sponsored by Musa Masala, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive group.

The competition itself was intense and thrilling. The bouldering routes were a mix of technical, powerful, and dynamic moves, demanding both precision and strength. Meanwhile, lead climbing was all about endurance, and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous as I tackled the challenging route. Competing in the open category, I had to take on both bouldering and lead climbing on the same day—a test of both my physical and mental resilience.

The highlight of this competition was making it to the final round in lead climbing, meaning I had the honor of representing Nepal in the finals once again. The route was an absolute blast, pushing me to give my best performance.

Beyond the competition itself, what made this trip truly memorable was the experience of being with my team. The camaraderie, the shared moments of joy, and the way we cheered for each other made it all the more special. No matter where we travel for competitions, the team always has each other’s backs, and that’s something I deeply value.

This trip was another step forward in my climbing journey—a mix of challenges, learning, and unforgettable moments.

Musa sponsored group, Khando, Panchamaya, Pemba, Swastika

Pancha Maya Tamang was a manager of our whole India trip: 

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Musa Masala for sponsoring our journey to the Tata Sports Climbing Championships in India. Thanks to your generous support, our team of four was able to participate in this prestigious event.

Although I did not compete this time, I had the privilege of guiding three talented climbers throughout the journey. Stepping into the role of a team leader was a completely new experience for me. Managing the team and overseeing everything brought a different kind of challenge, but it also became an incredible learning opportunity.

None of this would have been possible without your support, and I am truly grateful. Thank you, Musa Masala, from the bottom of my heart!

Khando, Pemba and Swastika competing

We came back with a lot of memories and experiences and learned a lot of things. Also we came back stronger with a different mindset for climbing.

We know it's not easy to get a donation, especially when it's not about basic needs or education but we are so blessed to get a donation to fulfill our dreams representing our country Nepal. This is a huge step for Nepal's climbers.

Check out the Himalayan Times article on the TATA climbers here!