KATHMANDU: Ronak Upreti and Swastika Chaudhary have won the men's and women's titles respectively at the third edition of the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Open Lead Climbing Competition, held Friday at Astrek Climbing Wall in Kathmandu.

The competition was jointly organised by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and the US Nepal Climbers Association, with both men's and women's categories contested.

In the men's category, Upreti claimed the top spot ahead of Italian climber Mirko Leros in second place and Tenzing Bartin Rai in third. In the women's category, Chaudhary won the title with Yangkila Sherpa finishing second and Panchamaya Tamang third.

Winners in both categories received Rs 50,000 in prize money, with runners-up taking Rs 30,000 and third-place finishers Rs 20,000.

Twelve athletes — six men and six women — reached the final round. The final ceremony was attended by House of Representatives member Mingma Gyabu Sherpa as chief guest, with Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, as special guest. Also present were Department of Tourism Director General Ramkrishna Lamichhane, Nepal Mountaineering Association President Fur Gelje Sherpa, US Nepal Climbers Association Chapter Coordinator Laxuman Tamang, and Nepal Climbing Sports Association Secretary General Santosh Maden.

This year's edition was notable for being the first to feature lead climbing format — the previous two editions were held under top-rope climbing. NNMGA President Tulsingh Gurung said the competition was timed to coincide with May 29, the anniversary of the first ascent of Everest in 1953, calling it a tribute to Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. He added that May 29 had previously been marked mainly through rallies and certificate distribution, and that introducing a technical climbing competition this year was intended to contribute to the development of climbing as a sport in Nepal.

The organisers said the competition aims to promote adventure climbing culture in Nepal and inspire younger generations towards the sport.