Hong Kong Nepalese in Hong Kong Sports: Hamra Kheladiharu - King of the Hills
Navigating mountainous terrains is second nature for most Nepalese people, and Nugo Yam is amongst the best of the best. The 43-year-old from the Taplejung District of Nepal has conquered Hong Kong’s most challenging routes with athleticism, sportsmanship, and a pure love for what nature has to offer. The accomplished trail runner has been sharing his stories on the CIBS programme, Hong Kong Nepalese in Hong Kong Sports: Hamra Kheladiharu.
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The making of a champion
Nugo Yam celebrates after winning the Four Trails Ultra Challenge in 2020 (Photo provided by interviewee)
Nugo’s claim to fame came in early 2020 – just before the start of the pandemic – when he was crowned champion of the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge.
“It was my proudest moment,” said Nugo, who recorded the fastest time amongst all competitors in the 298-kilometre race that covered the city’s four major trails: MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong, and Lantau.
Fitness has always been a priority for Nugo who once aspired to be a Gurkha soldier. Destiny brought him to Hong Kong where he’s been living for the past 14 years. When he isn’t running, Nugo spends time with his wife and their nine-year-old ‘princess’ daughter.
The family man has an ultra-competitive side. Since 2017, Nugo has completed over 70 trail racing events, including the Oxfam Trailwalker twice.
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Trails are full of surprises
“I just love being in nature,” Nugo said, as he shared an unforgettable experience of running in Yuen Long. “It was dark. I couldn’t see clearly, and I collided with a wild boar! I was so surprised!”
The MacLehose Trail and Tai Mo Shan Country Park are some of Nugo’s favourite places to run. His pre-race meal includes chicken soup prepared by his wife.
“Many people are supporting me and I love it when they come to cheer me on. That includes my fellow runners and the event staff. We have a very good community.”
At the height of his athletic stardom, Nugo attracted a group of fans from Japan who went on to make a documentary about him.
“I was surprised about that too. I didn’t know they were following me!”
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On finding and being an inspiration
Nugo (right) shares a moment with Nepalese star runner Mira Rai during an event in Lautau (Photo provided by interviewee)
While Nugo’s success on the trails has gained a following in Hong Kong and beyond, he himself is a fan of the trailblazing, world-famous Nepalese runner Mira Rai.
“The way Mira-bahini put herself out onto the world stage as a woman who came from a small village in the Himalayas and went on to achieve what most of us could only dream of, that’s when I knew I had to commit myself too,” Nugo said. “She’s still doing a lot of for the sport, serving as ambassador and mentor.”
Nugo’s voice found a platform when Dev Raj Rai invited him to speak on his CIBS programme.
“Nugo is an inspiration for our youth,” Dev said. “He carries a certain spirit that’s very important to Hong Kong’s Nepalese community.”
Dev and Nugo knew each other from their university days in Nepal and reconnected in Hong Kong. In 2017, Dev encouraged Nugo to sign up for a race in Lautau, which kickstarted Nugo’s sporting career.
“He’s the best of the best amongst Nepalese runners in Hong Kong,” Dev said “Absolutely.”
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Written by Atom C
Note:
- Interview conducted in English and Nepalese with Dev Raj Rai as interpreter
- Bahini means ‘sister’ – In Nepali, it is a nickname that adds formality and respect
