72-year-old Nepalese man claims to be world's shortest man

Mr Chandra Bahadur Dangi, 72, who claims to be the world's shortest man at 56cm tall, looks on as villagers measures him near his home in Reemkholi village, Dang district, some 540km southwest of Kathmandu. -- PHOTO: AFP

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) - A 72-year-old man from western Nepal is hoping to prove to Guinness World Records that he's the world's shortest man.

Mr Chandra Bahadur Dangi claims to be only 56cm tall. Guinness World Records currently recognises Mr Junrey Balawing of the Philippines, who is 60cm tall, as the shortest man in the world.

Dangi's nephew Mr Dolak Dangi said on Tuesday that his uncle would meet with Guinness officials in the capital, Katmandu, in the next few days to be measured.

Guinness World Records did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.