Going for the record as 'world's shortest man' is tall order

Being sure he can measure up to the task, a man left Katmandu, Nepal, yesterday to begin the first leg of his European tour in his quest for the title of world’s shortest man.

Being short in stature has not quelled Khagendra Thapa Magar sense of self and sense of humor as he departed for Italy to begin his second attempt to be listed in the Guinness World Record book. He first applied at age 14, and was turned down. At the time Guinness said he wasn’t an adult yet and they felt that there was still time for him to grow. Standing 22 inches (56 centimeters) tall, Magar, left the capitol city of Katmandu for Italy with his father, and was cheered on by fans who showed their support with gifts of bouquets and garlands. Once in Italy, where he will appear on television, and said he and his supporters will decide what their next step will be and what countries to visit. His father, Rup Bahadur Thapa Magar, said doctors have no explanation for why Magar is so small, and added:

"We are going to Italy to try to record his name in the Guinness Book of World Records."

So far they haven’t received a response from Guinness to their second request for consideration since Magar turned 18, his father said. The current record holder is He Pingping of China, who is 29 inches (73 centimeters) tall.