Athelets feted at NSC's 62nd anniversary

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug.30: The National Sports Council (NSC) celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Friday by recognising outstanding contributions in Nepal’s sporting sector. During a formal ceremony held in Kathmandu, the council honoured athletes, coaches, journalists, and institutions across various categories.

The national senior men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams received the Excellence Award for their silver medal performances at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in India and the bilateral Test match against India. Both teams were awarded trophies and cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 each.

In the junior category, boxer Arpil Rana and cricketer Pooja Mahato were each awarded Rs. 50,000. Rana secured bronze medals at the Asian U-22 Youth Boxing Championship in Thailand and the Asian U-19 Championship in Sri Lanka. Mahato impressed with 272 runs and 10 wickets during the Women’s World Cup Asian Qualifiers, earning the 'Player of the Series' title. She was also named 'Player of the Match' in the U-19 T20 World Cup fixture against Malaysia.

Para-athlete Palesha Govardhan was honoured with Rs. 50,000 for her historic bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics and another bronze at the 10th Asian Para Taekwondo Championship in Malaysia. Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) was recognised as the best national sports association and awarded Rs. 100,000. Nepalaya International Pvt. Ltd. received the award for best sponsor, while Bagmati Rural Municipality, Makwanpur, was honoured as the best local government body.

NSC also presented Contract Service Awards of Rs. 10,000 each to karate coaches Sangharatna Maharjan and Kushal Shrestha, assistant coach Deepika KC, and office assistant Durga Thapa.

The awards were presented by NSC Chair and Youth & Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, Vice-Chair Dhruva Acharya, and Member-Secretary Tanklal Ghising.