Asia Triathlon

1st South Asian Triathlon Championships 2013

I was invited by Nepal Triathlon to attend their first ever Triathlon after 15 years as they have the last Annapurna Triathlon in 1997.

The Triathlon and Duathlon for elite and juniors were held on the 30th of March at Begnas, Pokhara. They also held for the first time South Asia elite men and women sprint triathlon with Bangladesh, India and Nepal took part.

Since I reached there on the 26th at Kathmandu and on the 27th went by road to Pokhara.

I conducted technical course for their NTO’s on the 28th March. I observed them for their practical practices and then debriefing after the race and I found all of them were qualified for their NTO’s certificate. I have conducted such course in Asia before in 1999, 2001 and 2002 before ITU took over the conducting the course in Asia, I am attaching herewith a group photo taken with the candidates.

All were from Nepal except one from the Bangladesh; their Sec. Gen. also attended the course. The LOC under the leadership of their Secretary General Mr Nilendra Shrestha (who is also the President of Nepal Athletic Association) did a good job. He downloaded from ITU website the competition rules and gave to all the trainees. My handling the course made it very easy as most of the TOs were qualified NTOs in swimming, cycling and athletics.

30th March was the day of 1st South Asian Triathlon Championships 2013. Host country Nepal took part with participating country India and Bangladesh.

In Men category Nepal took first position, following it India got second and Bangladesh placed 3rd position. In Women category India got first place and Bangladesh got second place.

Prize giving ceremony took place at the heart of Pokhara city at the evening followed by Nepalese traditional cultural program and dinner. There was present Nepal National Sports Council Member-Secretary Mr. Yubraj Lama as chief guest.

On the 31st of March We paid the courtesy call the national President H. E. Dr Ram Baran Yadav at his official Palace, known as Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential House).

From Left to right Datuk Balwant Singh Kler Sec. Gen. ASTC, Datin Sarjit Kor Kler,  Mr Rakesh Gupta Sec. Gen. Indian TF, H. E. Dr Ram Baran Yadev, Mr Mahmudul Karim Sec. Gen. Bangladesh Triathlon Association, Mr Ganesh Man Pun NTA President, Mr Nilendra Shrestha NTA Sec. Gen. Mr Deepak Koirala NTA Vice President.