By Sachit Subba • Off-Field • Mar 17, 2026 16:59 PM • 25 views
The 8th NECOS International Judo Championships start Wednesday, March 18 (Chaitra 5), in Kathmandu. Organised by the NECOS National Judo Association of Nepal, the five-day tournament will run through March 22 at the Multipurpose Martial Arts Centre in Nayabazar. Association President Dharma Kumar Shrestha stated that the event aims to provide international exposure to cadet and junior judokas, with national team members in the eligible age groups also able to compete. Delegations from Bangladesh and Bhutan will participate with 20 and 19 athletes, respectively. However, athletes from Malaysia and India withdrew at the last minute due to travel complications related to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The event is sponsored by B&T Trading Co. Ltd., Japan, with a support value of Rs. 1.8 million. CEO Bishu Giri described the partnership as a strategic investment in Nepali sports development. Organisers have arranged comprehensive medical support and provided each athlete with a Rs. 500,000 insurance policy to ensure a safe and professional environment.
