KATHMANDU, Feb 10: Kamal Magar is a name synonymous with pride and inspiration in Nepal’s martial arts community. A permanent resident of Tapting, Solukhumbu, Kamal has dedicated his life to mastering WUMA Kung Fu, Wushu, and other disciplines.
Currently, he serves as the General Secretary of the WUMA Kung Fu Association, a role that underscores his leadership and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Kamal’s sports journey began in 2003 when his sister, Bimala Thapa Magar, enrolled him in a Wushu Kwan near their home in Kathmandu. Under the guidance of his first coach Uddhav Thapa Magar, Kamal quickly developed a passion for the agility and discipline of martial arts. Balancing his studies with rigorous training, he earned his first international medal in 2012—a gold in the 45-48 kg Sanda fight category at the inaugural International Junior and Senior Kung Fu Championship in Nepal.
Rising Through the Ranks
Kamal’s career reached new heights in 2020 when he earned his third Dan black belt. This was followed by the prestigious fourth Dan in WUMA Kung Fu in 2023, awarded by the World Martial Arts Committee (WMAC) in Austria. The achievement was celebrated in a special ceremony where Tanka Lal Ghising, Member Secretary of Nepal’s National Sports Council (NSC), presented him with the certificate. For Kamal, this remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
International Glory
Kamal has consistently brought honor to Nepal on the global stage. In May 2023, he secured a gold medal in the Chinese Creative Forms competition in Gloucester, England, along with a bronze in the weapons form category. Later that year, in October, he achieved further success in the United States, winning two golds and one silver at a tournament in Florida. His gold medals came in the Men’s Black Belt Soft Style and Traditional Chinese Weapons categories, while he earned silver in the Grand Champion Open.
Kamal’s international accolades include:
In 2018, Kamal won gold medals in Weapon Traditional Forms and Chinese Forms at the 12th WUMA World Championship in the UK. he also grabbed a gold medal in the short weapon category and two silvers in Kung Fu fighting at the 7th World Kung Fu Championship in Phuket, Thailand.
In 2019, Kamal bagged two golds, three silvers, and one bronze at international championships, including the WMAC World Martial Arts Games in Croatia.
The very next year, he won Gold in a short weapon demonstration during an online competition held amid the global pandemic.
In 2023, he won a gold medal at the 12th World Championship in the UK, earning recognition from Nepal’s National Sports Council on July 16, 2019. He was honored with a cash prize and a formal accolade presented by Ramesh Kumar Silwal.
A Multifaceted Role: Coach, Judge, and Athlete
Kamal has seamlessly transitioned between roles as an athlete, coach, and judge. His coaching journey began during his school years when he took on training responsibilities at his Wushu Kwan. Today, he trains athletes at various fitness centers in Kathmandu, including Lotus Fitness, Kick Boxing Club in Jorpati, and Sampada School.
As a judge, Kamal has officiated at prestigious events such as the 6th WUMA Kung Fu National Tournament held on Deptember 2023 in Nepal and the 14th National Kung Fu Championship in Lucknow, India.
International competitions in Greece and beyond.
Kamal attributes much of his success to the rigorous training he underwent at the Shaolin Wushu School in Beijing, where he earned a diploma in seven categories after eight hours of daily practice. “The knowledge I gained there not only strengthened my technical skills but also gave me the confidence to train future players for Nepal,” he reflects.
A Legacy of Inspiration
“Martial arts have given me everything—confidence, discipline, and purpose,” Kamal said, “My goal is to develop talented players who can bring pride to Nepal, just as I have.” His sister’s unwavering support and his coach’s guidance remain the cornerstone of his journey. Today, Kamal’s achievements continue to inspire the next generation of athletes in Nepal, cementing his legacy as a true champion both on and off the mat.