Meet the Nepalese Athletes Competing at Paris 2024 Olympics

Nepal at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a story of perseverance, high‑altitude training, and a handful of athletes who have earned their places on the world stage. After a modest showing in Tokyo, the Himalayan nation is sending a slightly larger squad, hoping that the altitude advantage that shapes its runners will translate into personal bests under the lights of the Seine. Below is a rundown of who’s representing the country, which events they’ll contest, and what it means for Nepal’s sporting future.

Overview of Nepal’s Olympic Delegation

The Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) confirmed a delegation of 16 athletes across five sports for Paris 2024. While still one of the smaller teams at the Games, the roster reflects a broader focus beyond traditional distance running, with newcomers in shooting, archery, and boxing. Most athletes qualified through a mix of continental quotas, world rankings, and universality places, the latter ensuring representation even when the qualification standard is out of reach.

In addition to the athletes, Nepal will travel with a support crew of coaches, physiotherapists, and officials—approximately 30 people in total. The government has allocated a modest increase in funding compared to Rio 2016, allowing for better equipment and a pre‑Games training camp in Europe.

Flagbearers and Notable Returning Athletes

• Kul Bahadur Gurung – Marathon runner and one of Nepal’s most seasoned Olympians, slated to carry the flag during the opening ceremony.
• Srijana Shrestha – Female 1500 m runner who broke the national record in 2023 and will lead the women’s contingent.
• Prakash Sharma – Veteran shooter in the 10 m air rifle event, returning after a strong showing in Tokyo.

These athletes not only embody Nepal’s sporting spirit but also serve as mentors for the younger faces on the team, many of whom are making their Olympic debut.

Track and Field Contenders

Nepal’s most visible presence will likely come from the long‑distance runners, a tradition dating back to the 1960s. The marathon duo, Kul Bahadur Gurung (men’s) and Laxmi Tamang (women’s), have both posted sub‑2:30 times in recent international marathons, putting them within striking distance of personal bests at Paris. Though they are unlikely to challenge for medals, a top‑20 finish would be a historic achievement for the nation.

On the track, Srijana Shrestha will compete in the women’s 1500 m. Her tactical racing style—holding back early then kicking hard in the final lap—has earned her a place among Asia’s emerging middle‑distance talents. In the men’s 800 m, newcomer Bikas Gurung, who qualified via the Asian Athletics Championships, hopes to set a new national record.

Shooting and Archery Representatives

Prakash Sharma’s return to the 10 m air rifle event marks Nepal’s most consistent presence in shooting since the early 2000s. He qualified through the Asian Shooting Championships, where he finished in the top‑12, securing a quota spot for his nation. His calm demeanor and years of experience make him a respectable competitor, even if a podium finish remains a long‑term goal.

Archery is a new addition for Nepal at these Games. Two women—Sita Tamang and Anjali Rai—earned universality slots in the recurve category after impressive performances at the Asian Archery Qualifiers. While they face seasoned opponents from South Korea and Italy, the exposure will be invaluable for the sport’s development back home.

Other Sports: Boxing, Swimming, and More

Boxing sees a fresh face in 2024: 22‑year‑old Mahesh Karki, who secured his place by reaching the semifinals of the Asian Boxing Championships in the lightweight division. Known for his swift footwork and aggressive jab, Karki hopes to advance beyond the round of 16, a milestone Nepal has yet to achieve in Olympic boxing.

Swimming will be represented by two universality swimmers—male and female—both of whom have posted personal bests at the South Asian Games. Though the times are far from world‑class, their participation highlights Nepal’s commitment to broadening its Olympic footprint.

Finally, Nepal’s debut in the Olympic mountain bike cross‑country race will be made by Bikash Thapa, a local champion who earned his spot through the UCI Oceania Continental Qualifiers. The hilly terrain of Paris’s venue offers a taste of home for Thapa, who grew up riding the steep trails around the Annapurna range.

Preparation and Support Structures

In the months leading up to Paris, Nepal’s athletes have been scattered across training hubs in Europe, the United States, and Japan. The NOC partnered with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity program, providing scholarships that cover coaching, equipment, and travel expenses. A three‑week high‑altitude camp in the foothills of the Himalayas was held in April, aiming to fine‑tune endurance athletes just before the Games.

Beyond the physical, mental preparation has been a focus. Sports psychologists from Kathmandu University conducted remote sessions, teaching coping strategies for the pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stage. Nutritionists also introduced individualized meal plans, moving away from the traditional high‑carb diets that have dominated Nepalese training for decades.

What Success Looks Like for Nepal

For a country with limited resources, “success” at Paris 2024 isn’t measured solely by medals. Setting new national records, reaching personal bests, and advancing beyond preliminary rounds are celebrated milestones. A top‑15 finish in the marathon, a quarter‑final berth in boxing, or a clean‑shooting round for Prakash Sharma would all be hailed back home as breakthroughs.

Equally important is the inspiration these athletes provide to Nepal’s youth. With each televised race or bout, a new generation sees a path to the Olympics, potentially expanding the talent pool for future Games. The hope is that today’s modest delegation will sow the seeds for a larger, more competitive team in 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Nepal have any medal contenders at Paris 2024?

Given the current rankings and qualification pathways, Nepal is not expected to field a strong medal favorite. However, athletes like Prakash Sharma in shooting and Mahesh Karki in boxing could surprise opponents and advance further than anticipated.

How were the universality places allocated?

Universality slots are granted by the International Federations to ensure global representation. Nepal received these places in swimming, archery, and athletics, allowing athletes who did not meet the standard qualifying times to compete.

What impact does altitude training have on Nepal’s runners?

Training at high altitude can improve oxygen utilization, giving runners a physiological edge in sea‑level races. Many Nepalese athletes incorporate altitude camps into their preparation, a practice that has contributed to recent national record improvements.

How can fans follow Nepal’s performances during the Games?

Live streams are available on the official Olympic website, and the Nepal Olympic Committee will provide real‑time updates on its social media channels. Local broadcasters in Kathmandu also plan to air key events featuring Nepali athletes.