London – The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) UK successfully concluded a grand two-day Indigenous Day sports and fair event.
Every year, World Indigenous Day is celebrated globally on August 9, and this year, NEFIN UK marked the occasion with a variety of programs. On the first day, volleyball and chelo (a traditional game) competitions were held, with participation from 21 teams.
In the youth category, Greenwich Team secured first place, winning a cash prize of £1,600, while Aldershot Team came second. In the men’s veterans’ category, Greenwich Volleyball Family came first, followed by Syangja UK in second place. In the women’s category, MONA UK took first place, and Manchester Team came second. The volleyball competition was coordinated by former NEFIN UK president Karma Pahadi Sherpa.
On the second day, August 10, various UK-based ethnic organizations participated in a cultural parade wearing their traditional attire. In the parade competition, UK Magar Association took first place, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK came second, and Kirat Rai Yayokkha UK came third.
This year, Dut Pun was honoured as Indigenous Person of the Year (Male) 2025, and Ganga Maya Dura was recognized as Indigenous Person of the Year (Female) 2025. Winners of archery and chelo competitions were also awarded and honoured.
The event was held on the grounds owned by Kirat Rai Yayokkha UK, located near London. The chief guest was Bhakta Dura, former federal secretary of NEFIN Nepal. More than half a dozen community leaders extended their best wishes for Indigenous Day. Artists from Nepal and the UK entertained the audience with songs and dances.
The program was chaired by NEFIN UK president Yogesh Rai and conducted by general secretary Faram Bahadur Dura. This was the first time such a two-day program was organized, and President Rai announced that next year’s event on August 9 would be even larger, inviting everyone to participate.
The venue featured stalls offering food, jewellery, boutiques, and Nepali utensils. This year, World Indigenous Day was celebrated worldwide under the theme “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.”
Established in 2009, NEFIN UK has remained active, currently affiliating 11 ethnic organizations under its umbrella.
