Kathmandu: Sanseela Tamang and Sabin Bamjan claimed women’s and men’s trophy in the sixth May 23 KMES Vertical Challenge Cup 2025 held on Saturday at Ascend Climbing Centre, Jhamsikhel.

The U-18 age group speed climbing event was organised under Lalitpur Climbing Festival to mark the anniversary of journalist Kalpana Maharjan’s historic double ascent of Mount Everest — from Nepal’s south side (May 23, 2018) and China’s north side (May 23, 2019).

The 13-year-old Sanseela, 15-year-old duo Kekssa Khan and Pooja Danuwar secured top three positions in women’s category. The men’s section saw 17-year old Sabin Bamjan clinch the gold finishing ahead of Dipendra Danuwar (15) and Ratan Kadayat (16).

The best performers were awarded national athlete certificates including them into Nepal’s national climbing team.

Along with top three finishers—Sabin, Dipendra and Ratan— Dipesh Danuwar, Arun Danuwar, Ashish Magar, Krishna Kumar, Som Tamang, Amit Karki, Jesus Khatri, Asean Rayamajhi, Sheetal GC, Dhananjay Gurung were included in the men’s team.

The players to be included in the women’s national squad were Sanseela, Kekssa, Puja, Indu Danuwar, Maryam Thokar, Pratima Basnet, Binisha Nagarkoti, Preeti Shah, Trishna KC, Deepasha Danuwar, Bianca Maharjan and Prabisha Pokhrel.

Sishan Maharjan was included in the national para-athlete squad. The event was organised by the Nepal Climbing Sport Association (NCSA) and the Kathmandu Valley Special Committee (KVSA) in association with Mountain Adventure Sports Academy.

Altogether 65 climbers competed in the event held under International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) rules in a knockout format.

Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary inaugurated the event.