By Sachit Subba • Off-Field • Sep 12, 2026 08:02 AM • 107 views
The Nepal Triathlon Association is at a crucial point in its domestic and international sporting schedule, as the association confirmed at its ninth annual general assembly in Kathmandu on Saturday that triathlon would be excluded from the forthcoming 10th National Games and the Asian Games.
Nilendra Raj Shrestha, President of the Association, chaired the meeting and stressed the surprise exclusion of triathlon from the national programme. The organisers of the 10th National Games in Surkhet gave technical reasons for omitting the event. Shrestha said he was deeply disappointed. Since triathlon has a steady record at the national level, this decision is a serious setback for the athletes.
The association is lobbying to reverse the decision. Shrestha told members that administrators are working hard to secure a late entry into the Surkhet Games. He said his talks with the relevant sports authorities have received favourable replies, leaving local athletes with only a small chance to take part and win medals.
The same difficulties apply to the international schedule. At the forthcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, no Nepali triathletes will take part. The delegation will consist of two officials, Chahana Shah and Pushpa Ratna Bajracharya, who are going to Japan solely as technical officers for the event.
In addition to discussing the sporting programme, the assembly also addressed recent national difficulties. World Triathlon President Antonio Arimany spoke to the gathering in Kathmandu through a pre-recorded video message. He directed his comments to the serious floods and landslides that have recently occurred in Nepal and expressed deep concern for those affected. He also stated that the international governing body stands with the country during the crisis. Shrestha said that World Triathlon had made a firm commitment to give direct aid to those affected by the natural disasters.
The assembly also handled its usual administrative tasks. Honorary President Ganesh Man Pun was present as the chief guest, sitting next to Founding President Bishwa Shankar Palikhe. General Secretary Yubaraj Sunar presented the detailed work plan and schedule for the coming year. Treasurer Niraj Shrestha then concluded the official presentations by submitting the financial report and accounting details for the previous fiscal period.
