The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), India is hosting the "Young Chef Olympiad" from Magh 15 to Magh 21 under the sponsorship of the International Hospitality Council, London.
This initiative was launched in 2015. Nepal has participated in the program since the beginning, represented by the college Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship. The competition, which was won by Italy in the previous season, will feature 58 nations from across the world, including France, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, and India. It is intended to be held in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, and Hyderabad because there are numerous contenders.
Students from the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management have a strong successful record in the competition, earning numerous awards over the course of several competition seasons. While Abhaya Limbu received the Best Kitchen Cuts Award in 2021 by placing 10th out of 60 students, Shabi Rajbahak managed to win the Best Hygienic Award and Rising Star Award in 2020. Similarly, Ajay Pun, a student at this college, received the Best Hygiene Practices award in 2022, while Shurya Mahat, a mentor at this college, received the Best Mentor award.
In this year's competition, Sugyan Thapa is participating as a representative of Nepal, with Chef Surya Mahat serving as a mentor. The competition's registration period commenced in October of last year for students studying hotel management who are between the ages of 18 and 24.
There are six groups made up of the contending nations. Nepal fits into the first category, according to the division. The Sustainable Development Goals of the UN are anticipated to be publicized and promoted through the competition. Nepal will compete on January 30 after the program is officially launched on January 29. The winners of the first, second, and third places will each get a gold, silver, or bronze medal in addition to cash awards of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000, respectively.
At a news conference held at the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, this information was provided. Ashesh Maharjan, the organization's president, declared during the conference that he would take part in the competition to produce bright individuals in tourism and hotel management because the success of the country depends on the success of the youth. Sugyan Thapa, a competitive student, and mentor Chef Surya Mahat both stated that they were motivated to shine a bright light on their nation. The program also featured comments from senior chefs Santosh Shah, Gobind Narsingh KC, Ratna Bahadur Thapa, Laxman Bhandari, Bikram Thapa, and Bhavi Khanal. Author of the book "Timur," Prashant Khanal, also shared his thoughts throughout the presentation.
The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management came into operation in the year 2010 with a course called Diploma in Culinary Arts. From this course, more than 1000 Nepalese youth have been helped to show the way to employment and advance their careers. The college has been offering leadership and entrepreneurship oriented programs through Diploma in Culinary Arts (1 year), BHM (4 years), BBA (4 years), and MBA (2 years).
