Paras, Shobha declared best athlete of the year

Kathmandu, May 17 – Captain of National Cricket Team Paras Khadka and Shobha Gauchan of Badminton have been declared the best athlete of the year under men’s and women’s category respectively.

Khadka and Gauchan were named the best sportspersons of the year at the 15th edition of Pulsar Sports Award hosted by Nepal Sports Journalist Forum in the capital city on Thursday.

Cricketer Khadka, cricketer Sandip Lamichhane, badminton player Dipesh Dhami, Judo’s Indra Bahadur Shrestha and golfer Tanka Bahadur Karki were nominated in the top list of the best athlete category.

Likewise, Gauchan, Gyanu Awale of archery, boxer Bimala Shrestha, footballer Sabitra Bhandari and table tennis player Nabita Shrestha were nominated for the best athlete of the year in women’s category.

Similarly, Jagat Tamata was named the best coach of the year while Syantu Shrestha of table tennis has won the People’s Choice Award.

All the winners were given a trophy and a pulsar motorcycle each.

Meanwhile, cricketer Sandip was declared this year’s best youth sportsperson. Dipendra Singh Airi, footballer Dinesh Henjan, Manita Shrestha and Punam Rawal were also nominated for the title.
Likewise, Ashok KC has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Nepal’s football sector.

Furthermore, Himal Lamsal of Nepal Army was honoured with para athlete award for his outstanding contribution to wheelchair basketball and in cricket among the differently-abled athletes.
During the programme, Karan KC of National Cricket Team was awarded with a special award.
Those winning the title of the best youth athelete, lifetime achievement, para athlete and special award also walked home with a trophy and Rs 50,000 each.

Minister for Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma and other personalities gave away the prizes to the winners.