International Hapkido Festival to be held in Pokhara
KASKI:- The “International Hapkido Sports and Tourism Festival-2027” is set to be held in Pokhara with the aim of promoting sports tourism at an international level alongside the development and expansion of Hapkido in Nepal.
Organized by the Nepal Hapkido Association, the festival—scheduled for January 2 and 3, 2027—will see the participation of Hapkido grandmasters, masters, instructors, athletes, and sports representatives from Nepal and various other countries.
Organized under the slogan “Unity through Sports, Promotion of Tourism, and Building Friendship,” the festival aims to link sports with tourism and showcase Nepal’s natural beauty, culture, and unique identity to the international community.
According to Indra Bahadur Mahara, General Secretary of the Nepal Hapkido Association, the festival will not be limited to mere sports competitions; instead, it will be developed as a platform to promote Nepal’s tourism and expand international sporting relations.
“The program will include activities to take international players, coaches, and delegates on tours of Pokhara’s major tourist destinations and introduce them to Nepal’s cultural diversity,” Mahara stated.
The participation of international players, coaches, and delegates is expected to boost activity across Pokhara’s hospitality, tourism, hotel, and transport sectors, as well as in local businesses.
The participation of international athletes, coaches, and delegates is expected to boost activity across Pokhara’s hospitality, tourism, hotel, and transport sectors, as well as local businesses.
The organizers state that the festival will also provide an opportunity for Nepali athletes to directly exchange experiences with international athletes and coaches. This is expected to create an environment for gaining insights into international training methodologies, technical practices, and new technologies for sports development.
Similarly, it is stated that the festival will contribute to enhancing the capabilities of Hapkido players, coaches, and technical officials, expanding international cooperation, and laying the groundwork for hosting future international competitions and training programs in Nepal.
The festival aims to foster cultural and social ties alongside sporting connections among the participating athletes, coaches, and representatives from various countries.
The organizers believe that bringing athletes from different nations together on a single platform will encourage the exchange of experiences, techniques, and cultures.
The Nepal Hapkido Association has stated that collaboration among government bodies, national and provincial sports organizations, local authorities, tourism entrepreneurs, the private sector, and sports enthusiasts is essential to making the festival a success.
The organizers have stated that this festival, to be held in Pokhara, will expand international connections for the sport of Hapkido, create opportunities for Nepali athletes to gain international experience and learning, and showcase Nepal’s natural, cultural, and tourism potential to the global community through the sport.
