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From sand mountains to world records: The unstoppable rise of Dinesh Sunar

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By Tourism Times
Published at : 2 Jul 2025, 12:00 AM

A Small Village Boy's Big Dream to Develop and Recognize Parkour Globally

Growing up in a remote community, Dinesh Sunar's childhood was marked by endless hours of playtime in the sand mountains, by the river, and near the lake. But amidst the fun, he was driven to perfect his craft - parkour. Despite criticism and discouragement from those around him, who deemed his passion a waste of time, Sunar persevered.

His hard work paid off when he began performing at state shows, earning accolades and recognition from crowds and famous Nepali actresses alike. As he continued to showcase his talents, he motivated others and made lifelong friends. His big break came when he caught the attention of the Armed Police Force's chief, Sanat Kumar Basnet, who offered him a job as a gymnastics player.

But Sunar's journey didn't stop there. In 2012, he discovered parkour videos and was captivated. Through dedication and self-learning, he mastered the sport. He drew inspiration from Guinness World Records and set his sights on achieving a record of his own. In 2017, he made history with 18 twisting backflips off a wall in one minute.

Despite naysayers who doubted his abilities, Sunar proved them wrong, earning certification and a sense of pride and accomplishment. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and passion. From humble beginnings to world records, Sunar's journey is an inspiration to anyone chasing their dreams.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dinesh and ask him about his journey, his inspirations, and his advice for aspiring parkour athletes.

A Journey of Perseverance and Passion

As I reflect on my career, I'm reminded of the countless hours I spent honing my craft in the sand mountains, by the river, and near the lake. Despite criticism from the community, who deemed me a waste of time and likened me to a monkey, I persisted. My hard work paid off when I performed at state shows, earning titles and accolades from renowned Nepali actresses.

School talent shows and stunts helped me forge lasting friendships and fueled my passion. The Armed Police Force's chief, Sanat Kumar Basnet, took notice of my talent, offering me a job as a gymnastics player. This opportunity energized me, but it wasn't until I discovered parkour in 2012 that I found my true calling.

Through dedication and self-learning, I mastered parkour, driven by Guinness World Records videos. In 2014, I set my sights on breaking a record, and in 2017, I achieved it – 18 twisting backflips off a wall in one minute. The doubters and naysayers only fueled my fire.

A Cause Close to My Heart

My journey highlights the need for a parkour academy in Nepal, providing a safe space for training and growth. I'm passionate about establishing such an institution, ensuring future generations have the support and resources I lacked. This initiative drives me forward, and I hope to inspire others to join me in making it a reality.

Sunar's journey began in Khotang, where he grew up with a passion for parkour. He moved to Kathmandu and joined the APF sports team, balancing his athletic career with his parkour pursuits. Through dedication and perseverance, he earned multiple Guinness World Records, both in Nepal and the USA.

Sunar's ultimate goal is to inspire the world with his story, highlighting the importance of parkour in Nepal and globally. He hopes to share his journey on Netflix and eventually establish a parkour academy in Nepal. Additionally, he aims to foster relations between the USA and Nepal through parkour, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

With unwavering determination, Sunar continues to push boundaries, striving for peace of mind and an uncertain but exciting destination. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, sacrifice, and penance.

Looking Ahead

As I gaze into the future, I envision a world where parkour flourishes in the USA, and its awareness grows exponentially. My 22-year journey, from a small village in Khotang to the global stage, has been marked by perseverance and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, I've risen to become a Guinness World Record holder multiple times, with a relentless drive to continue pushing boundaries.

Inspiring the World

Through my work, I aim to inspire others by sharing a glimpse of my struggles, sacrifices, and dedication. I hope to educate people about the significance of parkour, both in Nepal and globally. My aspirations include collaborating with Netflix, establishing a parkour academy in Nepal, and fostering strong ties between the USA and Nepal through parkour.

Gratitude

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the World Free Running Parkour Federation for providing me a platform in the USA and believing in my potential. I also thank the government of Akron, Ohio, and the local authorities for their encouragement and support during my world record journey. Additionally, I'm grateful to my family in Akron, the Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community, Sunshine Taekwondo families in Ohio, my family in Orlando, NRNA New York chapter , Gpk foundation, Assembly members of New York State Stevn Raga , City Council man Shekar Krishan, Jeniffer rajkumar assembly member of New York states and NASOO network for their unwavering support and assistance. Lastly, I thank everyone for their kindness and support, which has fueled my journey thus far.

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