Manandhar’s immortal 2:15:03 still stands tallest in Nepali sport
Summary
Baikuntha Manandhar remains Nepal's first international gold medallist and holds a South Asian marathon record since 1987 with 2:15:03, a pinnacle achievement in Nepali sport.
Key Points
- Baikuntha Manandhar won Nepal’s first international gold medal in the marathon at the 1984 South Asian Federation Games.
- He retained his marathon title in 1985 with an improved time of 2:22:07.
- In 1987, Manandhar set an enduring South Asian marathon record of 2:15:03 at the Games in Kolkata, which still stands.
- His three marathon gold medals remain unmatched in Nepali sport history, marking him as Nepal’s first sporting superstar.
