Kathmandu, July 15 — The United States Embassy in Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening U.S.-Nepal cooperation through sports, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity during the closing and award ceremony of the Top Rope & Lead Open Championship 2026 held in Kathmandu.
The championship, organized by the Kathmandu Valley Special Committee of the Nepal Climbing Sport Association, brought together athletes, coaches, climbing officials, organizers, and industry leaders to celebrate Nepal’s growing climbing community and the achievements of its emerging athletes.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker praised the talent, discipline, resilience, and determination displayed by young Nepali climbers, noting that the championship reflects the country’s growing potential to produce athletes capable of competing at national, regional, and international levels.
Harker highlighted the expanding partnership between the climbing communities of Nepal and the United States, citing support from U.S. climbing companies, collaboration with American climbers, and increasing people-to-people exchanges as key factors in promoting the sport.
He also emphasized the broader impact of climbing and outdoor recreation, stating that the sector can create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, youth leadership, and economic growth, while fostering stronger commercial ties and opening new markets for U.S. outdoor brands and expertise.
The U.S. Embassy congratulated the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizers for their contributions to advancing climbing in Nepal and helping establish the country not only as the home of the world’s highest mountains but also as an emerging hub for climbing excellence.
The Embassy said it looks forward to further strengthening U.S.-Nepal collaboration through sports diplomacy, outdoor recreation, and initiatives that promote youth development and shared economic prosperity.
