Olympic Day is observed worldwide, including Nepal, on June 23rd every year. The Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) organized Numerous Olympic Day activities throughout the country by National Sports Federations, schools, colleges, pre-schools, community organizations, as well as the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force (APF), and Nepal Police. These activities included sports demonstrations, rallies, fitness programs, educational sessions, awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives, reflecting the widespread spirit of the Olympic Movement in Nepal.
NOC successfully concluded the Olympic Day 2026 Celebration at the NOC Building, Sadobato, Lalitpur, on the final day, June 23, marking the culmination of a week-long nationwide movement promoting sports, fitness, and Olympic values under the global theme “Let’s Move –You Can Do This!”
The main celebration program was organized on the occasion of the Foundation Day of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Day 2026. Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, as the Chief Guest attended the program and expressed his sincere appreciation to Ashok Ratna Bajracharya, Vice President and Olympic Day 2026 Coordinator, for his tireless efforts and dedication in making the celebration a grand success.
The program commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by a welcome address from the organising committee and remarks by NOC Secretary General Rajiv Shrestha. The National Flag was then hoisted by NOC President Shrestha while the IOC Flag was hoisted by Vice President and Program Coordinator Bajracharya. A special message from IOC President Kirsty Coventry, on the occasion of Olympic Day 2026, was also read out.
NOC President Shrestha addressed the gathering where he highlighted the significance of Olympic Day and the role of sport in promoting unity, friendship, and healthy living. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of the Olympic Torch to an Olympian, officially launching the Olympic Day Rally.
Program Coordinator Bajracharya also spoke on the occasion as he expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, National Sports Federations, educational institutions, security agencies, volunteers, and participants for their active involvement and support in making the celebration a grand success.
The committee also celebrated the Olympic Day by honouring the best athletes, association, and journalists at the fourth edition of the NOC Award in Kathmandu. NOC handed over awards across ten categories in the fourth edition: Best Young Athlete (male and female), Best Athlete (male and female), Best Coach (male and female), Best Association, Best Cameraperson, Best Online Journalists, and Best Sports Journalist.
The awards for the NOC Best Young Athlete in the female and male categories were received by Tennis Player Shivali Gurung and Boxer Nurbu Thendup Sherpa, respectively.
Among the senior athletes, Arika Gurung, an 11-time gold and 4-time silver medalist Karateka, was awarded the NOC Best Athlete in the female category. The NOC Best Athlete in the male category was awarded to the bronze-medal-winning Wushu Practitioner, Bijaya Sinjali.
Additionally, Karate’s Kushal Shrestha and Kabaddi’s Harina Thapa were awarded as the Best Coaches in the male and female categories, respectively.
Similarly, Nepal Karate Federation was awarded as the Best Association.
Moving towards the journalists’ award categories. Ajay Phuyal, Former President of the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and a senior sports journalist, was awarded the Best Sports Journalist. Sudarshan Ranjit, a veteran freelance sports photojournalist, was awarded the Best Cameraperson. Sarita Shrestha, a senior sports journalist, was awarded Best Online Journalist.
The NOC also honoured the contributions of several other stakeholders with the President’s Recognition. The Presidential Recognitions were provided to individuals –Ashok Ratna Bajracharya, Chaturananda Raj Vaidya, Geeta Rana, Surya Lal Bhandari and Laxmi Shrestha—and organisations—Nepal Ex-sportsmen Forum, Sharad Chandra Shah Memorial Foundation and Thunderbolts Sports Academy (GEMS School).
The successful conclusion of Olympic Day 2026 demonstrated Nepal’s commitment to promoting the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect, while encouraging people of all ages to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle through sports.
