By Sachit Subba • Off-Field • Aug 04, 2026 15:16 PM • 218 views
KATHMANDU — In a major boost for Nepal’s sports diplomacy and youth development, Raj Kumar Karki has secured a second consecutive term on the Executive Board of the International School Sports Federation (ISF). The decisive vote at the ISF Electoral General Assembly underscores growing international confidence in Nepal’s grassroots sports leadership, coming on the heels of an impressive multi-medal haul by the nation's student-athletes at the ISF Gymnasiade in Bahrain.
To mark the double milestone, five prominent educational and sports organisations—including the Tribhuvan University Graduate Program in Sports Science, PABSON, HISAN, NPABSON, and APEN—gathered in the capital to formally honour Karki alongside the returning athletic contingent and boxing coach Deepak Maharjan.
The recognition reflects a pivotal moment for school-level athletics in the country. Karki, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Nepal School Sports Federation (NSSF), previously carried the Olympic torch ahead of the Paris Olympics, establishing a strong presence on the global stage. Educational leaders and sports officials present at the ceremony expressed high expectations that his renewed international mandate will accelerate infrastructural and developmental support for young Nepalese athletes.
"This international representation directly translates into elevated opportunities for our school athletes," noted Vinod Shrestha, President of the Nepal School Sports Federation, during the joint ceremony.
On the canvas in Bahrain, Nepal's rising stars delivered standout performances against top-tier international competition. The boxing contingent spearheaded the podium rush, led by Norbu Thendup Sherpa and Swastika Tiru, who both fought their way to gold medals in their respective divisions. Team-mates Rohit Janala and Suryan Vaidya added depth to the tally by securing bronze medals.
In taekwondo, Ujjwal Wagle dominated his bracket to capture gold, while Nivita KC earned a well-fought bronze medal, rounding out a historic international campaign for the delegation.
