KATHMANDU: Maoist C enter Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ called for building healthy and civilized society through development of sports sector.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Bharatpur Cycling Marathon-2078 organized by Pragya Memorial Foundation in Chitwan on Saturday, leader Dahal opined that Chitwan was becoming a hub for all sorts of sports. “The construction of under-construction Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium and other infrastructure for indoor sports has explored the possibility of sports in Chitwan,” the former Prime Minister said.

Also speaking at the programme, Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Raj Gahatraj commended that the Foundation had done exemplary work by organizing a cycle race. He assured that his ministry was committed towards promotion of sports.

As for under-construction Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium, the Minister shared that the government would allocate budget in the upcoming fiscal year to take forward the remaining construction works of the stadium which started at community level.

In the marathon, Merina Rana Magar stood first cycling 65 kilometers in 3 hours 23 minutes while Sudha Timalsina finished second completing the same length in 4 hours 12 minutes and 13 seconds. In male’s category, Sandeep Shrestha became first cycling 65 kilometers in 2 hours 12 minutes 19 seconds while Tribhuvan Army Club’s Dipesh Chaudhary stood second.

Suraj Rana Magar was declared the best cyclist completing 65 kilometers in 1 hour 56 minutes. A total of 41 players were awarded with cash prize and medals for winning in various categories, the organizers said.