According to NNIPA, it has awarded the players who had participated in the 16th Asian Games. NNIPA had asked 19 concerned national associations to nominate their best players but only 17 associations had sent nominations. "Two associations -- Archery and Cycling -- didn´t respond," said NNIPA General Secretary Deepak Shrestha.[break]
Nepal had claimed only one bronze medal during the 16th Asian Games. NNIPA awarded the only medal winner Deepak Maharjan (boxing) along with Binod Maharjan (karate), Aang Babu Lama (wushu), Manita Shahi (taekwondo), Kamal Bahadur Adhikari (weightlifting), Kanchhi Maya Koju (athletics), Nerry Thapa (cricket) and Shiva Sundar Gothe (table-tennis).
Likewise, Puja Shrestha (badminton), Phupu Lhamu Khatri (judo), Bilam Lal Shrestha (chess), Sneha Rajya Laxmi Rana (shooting), Ajar Jangam (gymnastics), Malika Rana (lawn tennis), Prem Prasad Pun (archery), Sachindra Prasad yadav (wrestling) and Manoj Subba (soft-tennis) were also awarded.
One of the first Olympians Bhupendra Silwal handed over trophies to the winners while NNIPA felicitated Silwal with ´inspirational sports personality´ award. National Sports Council Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama handed over the felicitation letter to Silwal during the award ceremony.
Veteran athlete Silwal asked sports authorities to acknowledge players´ contribution and end discrimination against them.
"We should recognize our Nepali athletes," said Silwal.
Wushu player Aang Babu Lama addressed the award ceremony on behalf of all the award winners. "We, all the award winners, thank NNIPA for awarding us and providing inspiration to all Nepali athletes," said Lama.
NSC Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama applauded NNIPA for awarding athletes and working for players´ welfare.
Meanwhile, NNIPA President Deepak Bista and General Secretary Deepak Shrestha handed over NNIPA´s flag and Rs 10,000 to ultra runner Sanjay Pandit giving best wishes for his proposed Everest expedition.
State Minister creates scene
State Minister for Youth and Sports, Gopi Achhami, showed his dissatisfaction and left the venue midway into the award function as he had to share chief guest status with the first Olympian of the country Bhupendra Silwal.
NNIPA had invited both Silwal and Achhami as chief-guests but Achhami didn´t go to the stage despite repeated calls from master of ceremony.
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