Taekwondo ITF Nepal successfully organized the 2nd Everest Open International Goodwill Taekwondo Championship on Saturdayn 19th September held at the Mirabal resort in Dhulikhel, Kavre – Nepal.

On Sunday 20th a special 4 hour Masterclass was conducted by Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree, President and Technical Director of United ITF Australia (INO#23).

President of Taekwondo ITF Nepal Mr. Laxman Basnet and Adviser Mr. Ang Temba Sherpa (Model Of Rolex watch) formed a welcome party at Nepal airport to greet Master Muleta on arrival

On the first day Mr Basnet treated Master Muleta to a tour of Kathmandu city, including sites such as Bauddha Stupa (Buddist Stupa) which suffered severe damage by April’s earthquakes, and now undergoing a rebuilding program. They also went to Pasupatinath, One of biggest and most important Temples for all Hindus. Master Muleta received special blessings from monks at the Temple and witness outdoor cremation ceremonies.  Dinner on the first night was a sample of Nepalese Local Food, which Master Muleta enjoyed a lot.

The following day, Master Muleta visited the Monkey Temple (soyembhunath), Basantapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar square , in Bhaktapur.

After sightseeing, Master Muleta and Mr Basnet travelled an hour onto the seminar and championships venue in Dhulikel. On the way, Master Muleta and ITF Nepal adviser, Ang Temba, were invited to Mr Basnet’s house in a typical country village and had enjoyed some typical Nepalese local food again.

Later on the Friday 4 more attendees from Australia and New Zealand arrived – Phill Zdybel, Joshua Zdybel, Blair Martin and Mark Elliot.

All total 150 participants and officials took part from Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal and India

Most of the Nepalese participants came from Kathmandu and arrived on Friday evening at the venue.

The 2nd Everest International Championships commenced at 9am on the Saturday, with Guest of Honour, Master Muleta lighting the Traditional candle at the opening ceremony to declare the event officially open.

The championship included Individual patterns and individual sparring with a demonstration in team patterns.  Uniquely this championship was held under the open sky, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas for all participants. Logistics were in place in the event of inclement weather, however we were blessed with a glorious day.

All officals, umpires and judges work very hard all day and Master Muleta did us the honour of acting as Centre Referee for all the Black Belt finals. We were impressed and thankful for his kindness and assistance in conducting this event.

At the end of the Championships, there was a medals and certification ceremony with special guest Lion’s Club President, Rudhra Hari Geawali.  Medals and certificates were presented, and as a special bonus, 1000 nepali rupees were given to every gold medallist distributed by the Chief Guest, Master Muleta, M. Blair Martin  and other guest presenters.

During the closing ceremony, Master Muleta donated Australian raised funds to Taekwondo ITF Nepal. Including donating all his teaching fees back to ITF Nepal, and covering all his own travel costs, in all the Australian effort raised over $2000 worth of support. (over 150,000 rupees)

Phillip Zdybel also from Australia was very active in raising funds through his local community, donating over $500.

ITF Nepal President Laxman Basnet presented 341,000 Nepali Rupee to Mr. Gayaji Khadka, assistant Instructor and Treasurer of ITF Nepal.

10,000 Rupees was presented to Nepal Journalist Federation, Kavre to support the family of Suman Bomjan who was member of Nepal sports Journalist Forum, who died during the Earthquake.

ITF Nepal also wishes to acknowledge the donation of $5,500 Hongkong dollars by Hong Kong original Taekwondo Council, 1,52,947 NPR ($2300NZD around by Morgan Stacey, Project Manager of Naylor Love Construction of New Zealand.

The remainder was collected by Mr Basnet from friends and Club members from New Zealand.

Mr. Basnet honoured Master Michael Muleta (United ITF Australia) and Mr Blair Martin (United ITF New Zealand) with a Certificate and plaque of Appreciation.

It was fantastic event and all participants and officials were so excited and happy. In the ceremony Master Muleta and Mr. Blair said in their speech they were very happy to be in Nepal and they will support in future events too.

Also they said they are very surprised with Nepali participants sparring and the spirit shown, as participants with minimal protective equipment, much vigour yet no injuries.

More photos can be found at : http://itftaekwondo.com/?p=976