Seven Nepalis join Cloud Rescue Competition

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Aug. 22: A seven-member Nepali delegation has recently reached China’s Yunnan Province to participate in the Cloud Top Rescue Technology Competition and Exchange programme. 

The event, organised by the Kunming City Fire and Rescue Department in collaboration with the Yunnan Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association and other local agencies, is one of China’s most influential platforms for international rescue technology exchange.

The Nepali team includes Pratik Bahadur Khatri, General Secretary of Alpine Sports Federation Nepal and team leader, Sudarshan Nepal, President of Everest Alliance Nepal and captain of the Nepal Everest Rescue Team, along with Man Raj Gurung, Pasang Rinzee Sherpa, Sujal Gurung, Sujan Gurung, and Anup Gurung.

Held annually since 2020, this marks the fifth edition of the event, which has previously taken place in various mountainous regions of China.  This is the first time Nepal along with Cambodia and Laos has taken part in the event. The initiative aims to serve as a diplomatic outreach, strengthening regional cooperation in disaster response between China and its neighbours in Southeast and South Asia.

The competition includes a rigorous 24-hour endurance challenge, simulating real-world rescue scenarios, from emergency dispatch and map navigation to casualty search and transport. 

Likewise, team and individual competitions will be held under a ‘Fire Rescue + Sports’ competition model featuring individuals and team-based events.

“This is a unique opportunity to present Nepal’s strength in high-altitude rescue and mountain safety at a global level,” said Nepal. “It will enhance Nepal’s standing in the field of mountaineering and emergency response.”

The Nepali delegation was coordinated by Everest Alliance Nepal in partnership with the Chinese organisers.