Nepal teen stands tall as world's shortest man

Updated: 2010-10-14 16

(Agencies)

Khagendra Thapa's height is measured by Dr. Hom Neupane (L) in the presence of Guinness Book of World Records representative Marco Frigatti (R)[Photo/Agencies]

POKHARA, Nepal - A Nepalese fruit seller's son with the body of a toddler turned 18 on Thursday and was officially declared the world's shortest man by Guinness record officials.

Magar measured in at 26.4 inches (67 centimeters), displacing the former record holder, Edward Nino Hernandez of Colombia, who measures 27 inches (70 centimeters).

Cheers went up when Khagendra Thapa Magar was handed a world record certificate by Guinness official Marco Frigatti. The ceremony was held in a hotel in Pokhara, Magar's hometown and a popular tourist destination west of Katmandu.

Khagendra Thapa waves after receiving the certificate from Marco Frigatti (R), Vice-President of Guinness Book of World Records, at a function in Pokhara, west of Kathmandu October 14, 2010. Thapa is now the shortest man in the world after turning 18 today, as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records. He has officially been measured as being 67 cm (26.4 inches) tall, according to Frigatti. With him is his mentor Min Bahadur Thapa (L).[Photo/Agencies]

His family have campaigned for years to get him the crown, but earlier requests to Guinness were rejected because of the possibility he might grow.

"We are very proud of our son," said his father, Rup Bahadur Thapa Magar. "We have been finally recognized and our dreams have finally come true.

On Thursday, Magar and his family excitedly welcomed journalists to their rented home, where Magar jumped on the kitchen table and made tea for the press and family members. He also received presents for his 18th and danced to the sound of a toy drum.

Magar, who weighs just over 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms), was tiny even at birth, weighing just 1.3 pounds (600 grams). His father says he has no explanation for why he never grew taller _ his younger brother is a normal height for a boy of 13.

Local doctors are stumped, but lack facilities for detailed testing.

Magar's doctor for the past five years says he has the body of a three-year-old.

"His body structure is like that of a small child and he also thinks and behaves in that manner," Hum Prasad Newpane said.

Magar _ who already travels as part of a dancing troupe when he isn't helping out his parents in their fruit shop _ seems ready for the media spotlight that will accompany his new title.

Next year he is to serve as a government-appointed goodwill ambassador as his nation celebrates Visit Nepal Year.