The web is buzzing with stories about Khagendra, the Nepalese boy hoping to qualify as the world's shortest man. He's certainly short enough, says GWR Editor in Chief Craig Glenday, but is he old enough to claim the official world record?

Back in 2006, Guinness World Records was contacted by the Dwarf Association of Nepal, asking us to ratify one of their members as the shortest living man. The "man" in question was Khagendra Thapa Magar, and at 20 in (50.8 cm) he would have certainly qualified, beating the current record holder He Pingping at 74.61 cm (2 ft 5.37 in). There was just one problem: Khangendra had not yet turned 18.

To quality for the Guinness World Records title of world's shortest man, claimants must be 18 years or older (assuming the first year of life is considered year 0, and not year 1). This is irrespective of sexual maturity or a society's legal, ritualistic or religious coming of age. We are in possession of Khagendra's birth registration certificate, his certification of Citizenship and his identity card (pictured). On the Nepali calendar, Khagendra was born on Asoj 18, 2049 ­ which equates to 4 October 1992. This makes him 6,220 days old (as of today, 15 October 2009) ­ or 17 years 11 days.

We are once again in touch with Khangendra and his family and have asked for re-confirmation of his birthday, on the off chance that there has been some misunderstanding. We are very excited to learn of this little Nepalese claimant ­ and have been for a few years now. But until we can clear up the discrepancy, the holder of the title of world¹s smallest mobile man remains with He Pingping.