KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today honored Nepali athletes, coaches, and managers who brought home medals from various international competitions, presenting them with cash rewards and certificates at a ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event celebrated standout performances across multiple disciplines.
Among the honorees was Bijay Sinjali, who won a bronze medal at the 3rd Taolu World Cup held in Japan in October 2024. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs 6.5 million and a certificate by PM Oli.
Similarly, members of the women’s national kabaddi team, including bronze medalist Manmati Bishta, received Rs 150,000 each for their performance at the 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship held in Iran in March.
The silver medal-winning under-20 men’s volleyball team, led by Arjun Nepali, was also recognized for their achievement at the “CAVA U-20 Men’s Volleyball Championship” held in Sri Lanka in October 2024. Each team member received Rs 300,000 in cash rewards.
Prime Minister Oli also congratulated the Nepali U-16 cricket team for their victory over Singapore to win the title at the “ACC U-16 East Zone Cup” held in Malaysia. He praised their determination and welcomed them warmly at the event.
In his address, PM Oli highlighted the government’s commitment to developing the sports sector.
“Though Nepal only recently began organizing the sports sector in a structured way, we are now giving it high priority. With discipline and professional dedication, success in sports is achievable,” he said. “I thank and congratulate all players, coaches, and team managers who are enhancing the nation’s identity and prestige.”
Also speaking at the event, Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary announced that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget for sports has nearly doubled. He added that the construction of the international cricket stadium in Kirtipur is nearing completion, marking a milestone in Nepal’s sporting infrastructure.
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