22-inch tall teen from Nepal turns 18 this week; birthday brings title of world’s shortest man

ORLANDO, Fla. (October 11, 2010) – It’s no tall tale, but it may be the biggest short story ever.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, the 22-inch tall teen featured in the new Ripley’s Believe It or Not! book, Enter If You Dare!, will officially take the title of world’s shortest man this week.

Khagendra will turn 18 this Thursday, October 14, making him eligible for the world’s tiniest title. He’s a full five inches shorter than the current smallest man.

Khagendra has earned another title recently – Nepal’s Goodwill Ambassador. His mission will be to help the country attract 1 million tourists next year.

“Khagendra has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for years as the smallest person known to exist over the age of two,” said Edward Meyer, VP of Exhibits and Archives for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “He’s one of the most amazing people that we have ever come across. We wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on his latest accomplishments.”

Khagendra has also been busy helping attract readers for Enter If You Dare!, the annual collection of unusual, amazing and odd stories from Ripley Publishing, and was the talk of the town during his recent visit to New York City.

Facts about Khagendra:

Birthday: October 14, 1992

Birthplace: Baglung District, Nepal

Height: 22 inches

Weight: 11 pounds

Hobbies: Karate, dancing

Downloadable images of Khagendra are available at:  http://www.ripleybooks.com/smallestman/

Media contact:

Frank Wolff

407-339-0879 office

407-637-6000 cell

frank@wellonscommunications.com

About Ripley Publishing

Ripley Publishing is the publishing arm of Ripley Entertainment Inc., the owner of the internationally famous trademark Ripley’s Believe It or Not! As world authority on all that is unbelievable, the company offers up its vast archives of the strange and unusual through books, television shows, tourist attractions, motion pictures, merchandise and the worldwide syndication of its daily newspaper cartoon. Ripley researchers across the globe are busy each day digging deep into the world of the odd and bizarre to compile enough fresh and exciting material to fill the Believe It or Not! series of books published each year.

Posted by Wellons Communications, an Orlando public relations firm.