Kathmandu: U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker joined athletes, coaches, organizers, climbing officials, and industry leaders at the closing and award ceremony of the Top Rope & Lead Open Championship 2026 in Kathmandu. The event was organized by the Kathmandu Valley Special Committee of the Nepal Climbing Sport Association.
The championship highlighted Nepal’s growing climbing community and the talent, discipline, resilience, and determination of youth athletes preparing to compete nationally, regionally, and internationally.
In his remarks, Mike highlighted stronger ties between the climbing communities of Nepal and the United States through support from U.S. climbing companies, collaboration with American climbers, and expanding people-to-people connections. He also emphasized how climbing and outdoor recreation can create opportunities for entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, youth leadership, and economic growth, while opening new markets and connections for U.S. outdoor brands and expertise.
U.S. Embassy congratulated the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizers for helping establish Nepal not only as the home of the world’s highest mountains but also as a rising center of climbing excellence.
U.S. Embassy said it looks forward to strengthening U.S.-Nepal cooperation through sports, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity.
