The inaugural Asia-Pacific Sport Regional Congress kicked off yesterday in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The meeting is the first of its kind in the region, and is being hosted by the Nepal Auto Sports Association (NASA).

After a meeting is the second of its kind, following on from the FIA Sport Regional Congress for ASNs from the Middle East and North Africa region in March.

In an effort to coordinate the action of National Sporting Authorities on the ground, the FIA has set up the Regional Congresses for delegates to exchange views and experiences pertaining to the development of motor sport.

The opening ceremony saw the FIA President Jean Todt and FIA Vice President Morrie Chandler addressing the meeting’s programme together with Global Road Safety Ambassador Michelle Yeoh.

Nepalese officials attended the ceremony, including Nepal Government Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Purushottam Paudel, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Mr Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Vice President of Nepal Rt Hon. Parmanda Jha.

All speakers saluted the commitment to road safety of NASA and its Secretary General, Mr Govinda Bhattarai.

They also paid tribute to the life and courage of Dhan Bahadur Gole, a 93 year-old car porter who was part of a team that carried the very first car to roll in Kathmandu through the Himalayan passes.

45 delegates from 14 different countries will attend the various sessions over the three days of the conference.

The inaugural FIA Asia-Pacific Sport Regional Congress takes place from 23 to 25 April 2015.