Kathmandu – In a historic event, Nepal hosted its first-ever Wheelchair Pickleball Tournament, marking a new chapter in the country’s sports landscape and solidifying the growing partnership between the United States and Nepal.
Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Erica Alexander attended the groundbreaking tournament, where she cheered on the athletes and celebrated the success of this inclusive sports initiative. The tournament, organized by alumni of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports through Social Change (SSC) Nepal Exchange Program, saw twenty wheelchair athletes competing in the debut event.
The game of pickleball, invented in the United States in 1965, was introduced to Nepal through the U.S.-Nepal sports exchange, showcasing the country’s commitment to promoting adaptive sports and expanding opportunities for all athletes.
This initiative highlights the power of international collaboration to bring sports like wheelchair pickleball to new audiences, offering a platform for inclusivity and growth.
The event served as a strong testament to the U.S.-Nepal partnership, helping to foster mutual respect and shared progress in sports development.
The event concluded with heartfelt congratulations to the winners, participants, and U.S. alumni for their role in bringing wheelchair pickleball to Nepal and advancing the country’s sports landscape.
This initiative is expected to inspire future sports exchanges and promote inclusivity within Nepal’s athletic community.