What started as a casual game in Kathmandu parks has blossomed into a recognized national movement, bringing inclusive sports to communities across Nepal.
The journey of organized flying disc sports in Nepal began in 2016. During a trip to Norway, Santosh Khadka—the future Secretary General of the Nepal Flying Disc Federation (NFDF)—was introduced to Ultimate. Upon returning to the Kathmandu Valley, the presence of people playing informal games in public parks sparked a vision to turn those casual moments into a structured, community-focused movement.
After nine years of dedicated effort, that vision became a reality when a group of committed organizers officially formed the NFDF. This milestone led to formal recognition as a member national federation by the World Flying Disc Federation in October 2025.
At the heart of this growth is the “Spirit of the Game,” which places the responsibility for fair play directly on the athletes. Because there are no referees, the sport naturally fosters mutual respect and stronger social bonds between players.
Inclusivity serves as a pillar for these new programs. During a training camp in the Kapan and Chunikhel regions in April 2026, approximately one-third of the 50 participating youth were girls. The first-ever “Himalayan Spirit Cup” in May 2026 brought together five teams, including athletes from a local rehabilitation center in Kapan, showcasing how the sport provides a sense of belonging and therapeutic teamwork to vulnerable communities.
Growing the sport in the densely packed Kathmandu Valley presents real challenges. A lack of available grass fields and the prevalence of concrete school grounds complicate training, while sourcing high-quality, durable equipment remains difficult.
Despite these obstacles, the NFDF is moving forward with a clear plan. Future initiatives include expanding operations outside the Kathmandu Valley, forming provincial associations, and integrating flying disc sports into school physical education curricula across the nation.
The progress seen in Nepal is supported by the dedicated efforts of local leaders and support from the World Flying Disc Federation’s Impact Program, including equipment donations provided in collaboration with Discraft.
To help member national federations develop the sport in their countries, the World Flying Disc Federation Impact Program provides targeted support in a number of ways, dismantling barriers. Through the Impact Program, flying disc sports continue to grow in reach and accessibility, empowering communities to discover the joy of play in every corner of the world.
