The Nepal Taekwondo Association (NTA) and International Nepalese Taekwondo Association (INTA) are jointly organising the first Mount Everest International Taekwondo Championships here at the National Sports Council covered hall from September 22.
Around 300 Kukkiwon affiliated players from up to 18 nations are expected to participate in the two-day event, said NTA general secretary Deep Raj Gurung here at a press conference today. “Seven South Asian nations —India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Maldives — have confirmed their participation,” said Gurung. Gurung said that Sri Lanka have yet to confirm their participation.
Nepal will field 14 players — one each in every weight category. The players will be selected by the National Team Management Committee by conducting a selection tournament. The NTA general secretary also added that they will also send invitation to other Asian and European nations apart from the United States of America.
The tournament offers 14 gold medals — eight in men’s and six in women’s sections. The men’s section features U-54kg, U-58kg, U-63kg, U-68kg, U-74kg, U-80kg, U-87kg and Over-87kg, while the women’s section includes U-46kg, U-49kg, U-53kg, U-57kg, U-62kg and U-67kg weight categories.
This will be the first international taekwondo championships since Nepal hosted the eighth South Asian Games (SAG) in 1998. Gurung said that they have taken the tournament as preparation for the Olympic Qualifying.
Of the total estimated budget of Rs 13.4 million, the organisers hope to raise 40 per cent of the amount from title sponsor. Likewise, they are expecting to cover 40 per cent cost from two other co-sponsors. NTA will manage the remaining amount by themselves. Gurung declined to reveal the names of the title sponsor and co-sponsors.
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