Narayani, Pradeep named Players of the Year

POKHARA: Tennis player Pradeep Khadka and athlete Narayani Bhandari were named Players of the Year at the 10th Pokhara Sports Awards.

At a ceremony organized by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) Gandaki in Pokhara on Thursday, Khadka was declared Best Male Player of the Year and Bhandari Best Female Player. Both received trophies along with a Hero Xoom scooter each.

Khadka beat fellow nominees judoka Bigyan T Khatri and volleyball player Sanju Bikram Shah to receive the honor, while Bhandari edged judoka Manisha Tamang and archer Monica Rana Magar.

Meanwhile, volleyball player Rajan Darlami Magar won the People’s Choice Award. He received 64% of the votes cast through the Khalti app. He beat footballer Deep Karki, athlete Bhandari, taekwondo player Sushmita Thapa Magar, and cricketer Bipin Khatri.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran athlete Tika Bahadur Bogati who participated in two Olympics. He was honored with a silver vessel, a trophy, and a certificate.

Other awardees include Kaski District Cricket Association as Best Sports Association of the Year, badminton player Niva Rai as Emerging Player of the Year, para-athlete Sushma Tamang with a Special Award, Siddhanta Adhikari as Best Coach of the Year, and Din Nath Baral as Best Sports Journalist of the Year. Each received a cash prize of Rs 35,000 along with certificates.

Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey, Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, Deputy Mayor Manju Devi Gurung, and other dignitaries presented the award.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pandey said the provincial government is supporting sports programs and has been providing monthly allowances to Olympians from the province. He added that the Pokhara Sports Awards have added to the city’s growing reputation as an event hub.

Winners:

Player of the Year (Female) – Narayani Bhandari
Player of the Year (Male) – Pradeep Khadka
People’s Choice Award – Rajan Darlami Magar
Lifetime Achievement Award – Tika Bahadr Bogati
Best Sports Association of the Year – Kaski District Cricket Association
Emerging Player of the Year – Badminton player Niva Rai
Special Award – Paraathlete Sushma Tamang
Best Coach of the Year – Siddhanta Adhikari
Best Sports Journalist of the Year – Din Nath Baral as