First ‘Nepal Swimming Gala 2025’ Makes a Splash in London, Showcasing Nepali Talent in the Pool

UK

First ‘Nepal Swimming Gala 2025’ Makes a Splash in London, Showcasing Nepali Talent in the Pool: Nepali swimming talent shone brightly in the water as the first-ever ‘Nepal Swimming Gala 2025’ concluded successfully on Saturday evening in Northolt, London. Organised for the Nepali community in the UK, the landmark community swimming competition brought together young swimmers and adults alike, marking a proud and historic moment for grassroots Nepali sports abroad.

Held at the Northolt Swimming Pool from 6 pm to 9 pm, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation, particularly from children. Around 40 participants, ranging from as young as six years old to adults, competed across multiple age groups and swimming styles. The gala was organised by Nepalese British Community (NBC) UK in collaboration with Nepal Run UK, SwimmersBolts, and NNIPA UK.

Adding inspiration to the evening, Gaurika Singh, Nepal’s celebrated Olympic swimmer, attended as the chief guest. Addressing participants and families, she encouraged children to develop discipline and passion for sports from an early age, noting that consistent dedication can lead athletes to international platforms. Gaurika, who made history as the youngest athlete at the Rio Olympics 2016 and later won four gold medals for Nepal at the 2019 South Asian Games, energised swimmers of all ages with her presence.

Meanwhile, organisers highlighted the importance of such platforms. Samirnath Pakurel, President and Coordinator of NBC UK, explained that although many Nepali children in the UK learn swimming, they rarely get opportunities to showcase their skills competitively. Therefore, the Nepal Swimming Gala was launched to fill this gap and nurture confidence and sporting spirit within the community.

Similarly, Santosh Rai, Head Coach of Nepal Run UK and Event Director, thanked sponsors, partner organisations, and volunteers for their collective effort. He emphasised that the primary goal of the event was to promote health awareness and community bonding through sports. Rai also confirmed that, due to strong participation and positive feedback, the organisers are committed to continuing the Nepal Swimming Gala in the coming years.

The competition highlighted the growing enthusiasm among UK-born Nepali children and adults, reflecting both sporting talent and strong community engagement.

Nepal Swimming Gala 2025 – Results

Freestyle

Girls (10–11 years) – 50m Freestyle

1. Ashlesha Shrestha – 52.73 sec
2. Nova Shrestha – 58.54 sec
3. Melissa Gurung – 58.82 sec

Boys (10–11 years) – 50m Freestyle

1. Krish Bhusal – 49.70 sec
2. Viyan Meghani – 54.73 sec
3. Vishan Meghani – 1:10.00

Girls (12–13 years) – 50m Freestyle

1. Arya Nepal – 36.94 sec
2. Daria Khanal – 51.49 sec
3. Ayushma Rai – 59.08 sec

Boys (12–13 years) – 50m Freestyle

1. Samuel Chamling Rai – 28.08 sec
2. Ayan Prasai – 36.80 sec
3. Prabek Limbu – 39.09 sec

Girls (14–15 years) – 100m Freestyle

1. Kritika Basyal – 2:06.00
2. DNF
3. DNF

Boys (14–15 years) – 100m Freestyle

1. Ashwin Thapa – 1:00.17
2. Safal Maharjan – 1:08.00
3. DNF

Women (16+ years) – 100m Freestyle

1. Kanchan Nepal – 1:15.21
2. Manisha Limbu – 1:51.93
3. Sushma Gurung – 2:15.80

Men (16+ years) – 100m Freestyle

1. Faraz Mohammad – 57.96 sec
2. Lekh Gurung – 1:12.83
3. Olimide Komolafe – 1:55.70

Backstroke

Girls (10–11 years) – 50m Backstroke

1. Melissa Gurung – 59.88 sec
2. Ashlesha Shrestha – 1:00.67
3. Grace Maharjan – 1:19.20

Boys (12–13 years) – 50m Backstroke

1. Samuel Chamling Rai – 33.50 sec
2. Ayan Prasai – 42.53 sec
3. Maysun Gurung – 58.77 sec

Girls (12–13 years) – 50m Backstroke

1. Kanchan Nepal – 40.84 sec
2. Arya Nepal – 44.54 sec
3. Daria Khanal – 59.14 sec

Men (16+ years) – 100m Backstroke

1. Ashwin Thapa – 1:09.86
2. Faraz Mohammad – 1:11.69
3. Lekh Gurung – 1:34.77

Breaststroke

Girls (10–11 years) – 50m Breaststroke

1. Arya Nepal – 52.00 sec
2. Ashlesha Shrestha – 1:11.72
3. Nova Shrestha – 1:27.63

Boys (12–13 years) – 50m Breaststroke

1. Ashwin Thapa – 36.27 sec
2. Samuel Chamling Rai – 37.77 sec
3. Maysun Gurung – 1:07.11

Women (16+ years) – 100m Breaststroke

1. Kanchan Nepal – 1:43.03
2. Sushma Gurung – 2:17.91
3. Ingrid Dias – 2:58.00

Men (16+ years) – 100m Breaststroke

1. Faraz Mohammad – 1:18.39
2. Lekh Gurung – 1:45.72
3. Amrit Shrestha – 2:17.93

Butterfly

Girls (12–13 years) – 50m Butterfly

1. Arya Nepal – 46.12 sec
2. Ashlesha Shrestha – 1:12.68

Boys (12–13 years) – 50m Butterfly

1. Ashwin Thapa – 30.10 sec
2. Samuel Chamling Rai – 30.24 sec
3. Ayan Prasai – 46.39 sec

Overall, the Nepal Swimming Gala 2025 emerged as a vibrant celebration of talent, discipline, and community spirit. By providing a competitive platform for Nepali swimmers in the UK, the event not only highlighted emerging talent but also strengthened cultural connection through sport—setting a strong foundation for future editions.