POKHARA: The fifth edition of the ‘Pokhara Sports Award’ is scheduled to take place on July 2 in Pokhara.

Award distribution ceremony will be held semi-virtually at the badminton hall in Pokhara by following the health protocol over COVID-19, said the organiser, Nepal Sports Journalists Forum, Gandaki.

Awards from the Pokhara Sports Award, 2076/77 will also be distributed on the occasion, said the Forum’s chairperson Ekraj Giri. Awards on various seven categories will be distributed.

Lifetime achievement award includes a silver vessel, a copper plate, a trophy and a shawl while the athlete of the year (man and woman) each gets Rs 200,000, a copper plate, a trophy and a shawl, said the Forum’s general secretary Bijaya Nepal.

Likewise, emerging athlete of the year, best coach, best sports organisation and best sports journalist (two persons) will be honoured with Rs 35,000, an appreciation letter, a trophy and a shawl each. Keshab Ranjit has bagged the lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the development of football in Pokhara.

Similarly, the district archery association has won the best sports association award.

Nabin Rasaile (karate), Binesh Khaniya (table tennis) and Suman Aryal (football) have been selected for the best athlete of the year (men).

Similarly, Jamuna Thapa (cycling), Parbati Gurung (taekwondo) and Prashamsha Chhetri (taekwondo) have been selected for the best athlete of the year (women).

Also, Duwana Lama (swimming), Pradip Khadka (lawn tennis) and Bipin Khadka (cricket) have been picked for the emerging best athlete of the year. Ananda Kunwar (swimming), Kiran Shrestha (football) and Suresh Malla Thakuri (boxing) have been chosen for the best coach of the year.