Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by alizni
While millions of people across Nepal gather with family to celebrate Dashain—the country’s biggest and most cherished festival—two dedicated Nepalese drivers have chosen a very different path. Placing national pride and athletic ambition ahead of holiday festivities, Rabin Sunuwar (famously known as Rehan) and Bipasna Tamang are actively flying the flag of Nepal on the international motorsport circuit.
The duo recently completed a demanding leg of the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC) in Hong Kong and immediately boarded flights to Thailand for the upcoming round of the continental tournament. Their dedication highlights the growing ambition of Nepalese athletes who are determined to put the nation on the global racing map, even if it means missing out on traditional holiday feasts and family reunions.
Choosing International Glory Over Holiday Festivities
Dashain is traditionally a time for family reunions, receiving blessings from elders, enjoying festive meals, and flying kites. For most Nepalese, being away from home during this period is difficult. However, representing one’s country on an international platform presents a rare opportunity that demands compromise and deep commitment.
For Rabin Sunuwar and Bipasna Tamang, the calling of the racetrack outweighed the warmth of home celebrations this season. Competing against some of the finest precision drivers from across Asia required total focus and sacrifices. Rather than celebrating with family in Nepal, the drivers spent their festive days analyzing track layouts, tuning vehicle setups, and mentally preparing for high-intensity timed trials against formidable opponents.
From the Hong Kong Stage to the Racetracks of Thailand
The first recent leg of their championship journey took place in Hong Kong, where racers from 24 Asian nations gathered to compete in the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship. Facing fierce competition from seasoned teams across the continent, both Rabin and Bipasna showcased admirable control, speed, and mental toughness through complex obstacles.
Following their performance in Hong Kong, the Nepalese contingent moved directly to Thailand for the next phase of the AAGC calendar, scheduled from October 23 to 25. The Thailand leg presents a fresh set of technical challenges, demanding precise vehicle control, sharp reflexes, and rapid adaptation to local track conditions and weather. Each round offers vital championship points that elevate the profile of Nepalese motorsports internationally.
Understanding the High-Precision World of Auto Gymkhana
For those unfamiliar with the motorsport discipline, Auto Gymkhana is a specialized form of racing that emphasizes technical driving ability, precision, and agility over raw straight-line speed. Drivers navigate a complex, obstacle-filled course featuring tight turns, 180-degree spins, 360-degree donuts, figure-eights, and precise parking maneuvers within strictly bounded boxes.
Unlike traditional circuit racing where multiple cars battle side-by-side, Auto Gymkhana is a time-trial format where competitors race against the clock. A single mistake—such as touching a cone or taking a wrong turn on the sequence map—results in time penalties or outright disqualification. Because the tracks are kept secret until right before the event, drivers must quickly memorize complex layouts and execute flawless car handling under intense time pressure. Success in this arena requires extraordinary vehicle control and acute spatial awareness, qualities that both Sunuwar and Tamang have continually honed.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nepalese Drivers
Motorsport in Nepal is still developing compared to other Asian nations that boast established circuits, modern training facilities, and long-standing racing culture. However, the international participation of athletes like Rabin Sunuwar and Bipasna Tamang marks a crucial step forward for the domestic automotive community.
By stepping onto the stage at the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship, these drivers prove that Nepalese talent can compete alongside established international contenders. Their courage to forgo personal holiday celebrations to pursue sporting success serves as a powerful inspiration for young automotive enthusiasts back home. Their journey demonstrates that with passion, discipline, and dedication, Nepalese motorsports can reach new heights on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As the action unfolds in Thailand from October 23 to 25, motorsport enthusiasts across Nepal will be closely watching and sending their best wishes to Rabin Sunuwar and Bipasna Tamang. While they may have missed the traditional Dashain gatherings in Nepal, their drive to represent the nation on the world stage brings a different kind of pride and celebration to fans nationwide. Their journey proves that true sportsmanship knows no holiday, and their efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the future of Nepalese motorsport.