Nepali Teenager Is World’s Smallest Man

Khagendra Thapa Magar

Source: Times Online

A 22 inch-tall Nepali teenager who laid claim to the title of world’s smallest man when he came of age this week says he is looking forward to global fame, international travel – and an arranged marriage with a bride of similar stature. When Khagendra Thapa Magar, who weighs just 10lbs, turned 18 he submitted an application to the Guinness Book of World Records, hoping to realize his ambition of being recognized as the planet’s shortest man.

Currently, the title belongs to He Pingping of China, who is 28.7 inches tall. If Mr Magar’s claim is verified, he could turn out to be the joint shortest man of all time, according to Guinness, equalling the late Gul Mohammed of Delhi, who also stood 22 inches tall and died in 1997.

Gul Mohammed and He Pingping

Mr Magar, who enjoys karate and occasionally performs with a dancing troupe, told The Times that his life in the foothills of the Himalayas in rural Nepal had already been transformed after word of his size spread. “God is great. He made me small in size but has now given me big name. What else could I have asked for,” he said. “I keep on telling my father to find me a small wife,” he said. “Now it’s up to him to find a right match. I would love to have children but have not yet decided about the numbers.”