GMDL completes Lumbini round; moves to Pokhara and Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The Global Math Debate League (GMDL) has completed its Lumbini regional round as it continues a nationwide expansion that began with earlier events in Jhapa and Chitwan. The circuit will next head to Pokhara and Kathmandu, establishing the country’s first platform for debating mathematics rather than simply solving problems.

Organised by education initiative Embark UnMath, the GMDL seeks to transform mathematics from a rote, procedural subject into one centred on reasoning, argumentation and intellectual defence. Students are required to justify assumptions, critique opposing logic and respond to counterarguments in real time — a format that mirrors academic peer review more closely than traditional classroom testing.

The competition challenges Nepal’s long‑standing education model, which has traditionally emphasised speed and accuracy over depth of understanding. Participants research mathematical claims, construct structured arguments, present cases and engage in rebuttal rounds. Judges assess reasoning depth, coherence, adaptability and collaboration — skills more commonly associated with higher education and professional environments than secondary school contests.

According to Embark UnMath, the league addresses a persistent national challenge: many students can compute answers but struggle to explain their reasoning. The debate format compels clear articulation, revealing gaps in understanding while fostering stronger conceptual mastery.

The Lumbini round was co‑organised by Lumbini World School, which managed academic operations and on‑site logistics. The partnership demonstrated that individual schools can implement the model, providing a blueprint for national rollout.

After the elimination stages, three teams emerged victorious in the Lumbini region. The regional champions were Asia Belbase, Manavi Khanal and Riona Udaya (Alpha Group Qualifiers) from Lumbini World School. The Beta Group Qualifiers were Asa Pandey, Samip Neupane and Agrima Adhikari from New Horizon English Boarding Secondary School. The National Round Qualifier team consisted of Prastuti Nepal, Samragi Belbase and Prekshya Khanal.

Judges said the winning teams excelled not just in correctness but in adaptability, refining their arguments under challenge rather than relying on prepared responses. All qualifying teams from the regional round will advance to the National Round, scheduled for February 22 at The Plaza.

The league’s significance lies in its approach to assessment. While Nepal’s education system has historically prioritised final answers, GMDL emphasises justification and logical defence. With rounds now completed in Jhapa, Chitwan and Lumbini — and Pokhara and Kathmandu upcoming — the competition is establishing itself as a national academic circuit that could influence classroom evaluation practices towards greater emphasis on reasoning.