From Nepal quake horror to Asian Games
22, has rebuilt his life by pouring his energy into fencing.
Lama was spotted at a school karate class by national fencing coach Abhishek Karki, who encouraged him to give the sport a go due to his agility.
But even then, his path to the regional Olympics has not been easy.
Lama trains in a small room at a government school with just three swords at their disposal, and practises with bamboo sticks.
His country’s fencing association supports the team with “pocket money and tiffin.”
“It’s still hard because my family members tell me to concentrate on my studies and get into a proper job,” he says.
Lama in a chat relived the fateful day on April 25 when he received the horrific news of his mother being badly injured and his house razed.
“I had my class 12 exam and I got a call from somebody from our village. That day was a black day for me. Nepal was in shambles, there was devastation everywhere. Luckily she survived,” said Lama.
After the horror of the earth- quake, Lama returned to school and training.
He completed his exams and, after competing at a tournament in Korea and winning a national gold, there was “no looking back.”
“On my own I train with bamboo sticks and tie some stone on my back to do some self training. But look where I am with this limited opportunity,” he says with a smile.
Nepal’s fencing team have competed in three World Championships and two Asian Games including the current edition.
He aims to represent his country at the Olympics some day.
But he remains unsure about his future in the sport.
Lama, who bowed out of his individual foil event after losing his preliminary match yesterday, is awaiting a good performance in the team event scheduled for later this week.
“Lost in the individual segment but now our aim is to do well in the team event,” he said.
“Gold I don’t know but Olympic participation is certainly a dream.”