Nepal's shortest man in quest for world record

A man who is only 22 inches (56 centimeters) tall left his home country of Nepal Sunday in a quest to be recognized as the world's shortest man.

Khagendra Thapa Magar is traveling to Europe to campaign for the Guinness World Record title. He applied to London-based group for a place in the record book in October, soon after turning 18, but said he has not received any response.

Magar's family initially filed a claim when he was 14, but it was rejected because he was not an adult and there was a chance he might grow.

They say doctors in Nepal have not been able to explain why Magar is so small.

"We are going to Italy to try to record his name in the Guinness Book of World Records," his father, Rup Bahadur Thapa Magar, told reporters in Katmandu. They plan to appear on an Italian television show to talk about his bid for the title.

Once in Italy, Magar, his father and a supporter will decide on their next destination.

His supporters saw him off from the Nepalese capital Sunday, offering flower bouquets and garlands.

The current record is held by He Pingping of China, who is 29 inches (73 centimeters) tall.