Nepal teen stands tall as world's shortest man

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.

"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.

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. Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.