Enlarge By Binod Joshi, AP Khagendra Thapa Magar, who is 22 inches tall, is traveling to Europe to campaign for the Guinness World Record title. KATMANDU, Nepal (AP)  A man who is only 22 inches tall left his home country of Nepal on 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 on Sunday, offering flower bouquets and garlands. The current record is held by He Pingping of China, who is 29 inches tall. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more