Nepali Army Officer Becomes First Third-Generation Sandhurst Graduate
Kathmandu, The Gulf Observer: Lieutenant Tejus Jung Thapa of the Nepali Army has made history by becoming the first third-generation officer from Nepal to graduate from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, marking a remarkable milestone in the country’s military history and continuing a family legacy spanning more than six decades.
Lieutenant Thapa was among 74 newly commissioned officers who graduated from Commissioning Course Short 262 during a ceremony held at Sandhurst on July 18. His achievement underscores the longstanding relationship between the Nepali Army and the renowned British military academy.
Expressing pride in his accomplishment, Lieutenant Thapa said he was deeply honoured to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, describing them as his greatest role models and sources of inspiration. Both were present at the graduation ceremony to witness the historic occasion.
Lieutenant Thapa’s father, Major General Anup Jung Thapa, completed his training at Sandhurst in 1991, while his paternal grandfather, retired Brigadier General Tejendra Jung Thapa, attended the academy between 1960 and 1962. His maternal grandfather, the late Lieutenant Colonel Prabala SJB Rana, also trained at Sandhurst during the same period, further highlighting the family’s distinguished military tradition.
The family’s association with Sandhurst is intertwined with history. King Mahendra and Queen Ratna attended Brigadier General Tejendra Jung Thapa’s graduation ceremony, while Queen Elizabeth II visited the academy during Major General Anup Jung Thapa’s training, reflecting the academy’s enduring prestige and Nepal’s longstanding military ties with the United Kingdom.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading institutions for officer training, producing military leaders from across the globe. Nepal has been sending officer cadets to the academy since 1952, and Nepali officers have earned a strong reputation for discipline, leadership, and professional excellence.
