- Title: NEPAL: SOCCER - Nepal hosts the fourth International Elephant Race
- Date: 4th January 2008
- Summary: PEOPLE WATCHING THE GAME
- Embargoed: 19th January 2008 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nepal
- Country: Nepal
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA1SHG2RV5F2B695DNMSBHZWW30
- Story Text: Elephants race for the soccer ball as the yearly event in Nepal attracts hundreds of locals and tourists.
Tourists and locals watched the elephants play a game of soccer at the annual International Elephant Race in Nepal.
Four years ago the tourism board in Nepal organised an "Elephant Extravaganza" in Sauraha, which is the gateway to Chitwan National Park, to boost tourism.
The country hopes to draw the attention of tourists to Nepal's wildlife and show that it is so much more than just a land of mountains.
The following year they introduced a baby elephant soccer contest which became quite a unique sport to watch for both locals and visitors alike.
Over the years, the elephants got trained, and played well. Jockeys climbed on the backs of the giant mammals and race them as excited villagers look on.
This year Wai Wai group of Choudhary won by 2-0 against the Hotel Association Team. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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