Nepal drop down

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Nepal dropped seven spots down to the 162nd in the latest FIFA rankings published by the world football governing body on Wednesday. Nepal stay unchanged at second spot among the South Asian region. Maldives (161) replaced Bangladesh — who slipped 18th spot down to 169th — at the top South Asian rankings. Afghanistan dropped two spots down to 164, while India slipped to 168th. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka — who climbed two spots up — are at 176 and 179th places respectively, while Bhutan (206) are at the bottom of the table. World and European champions Spain remain at the top, while Germany are at the second just ahead of England.

Kajol claims gold

KATHMANDU: Kajol Rauniyar of Oxbridge claimed the college girls’ singles gold medal in the third Krishna Dhwoj Memorial Invitational Valleywide Table Tennis Championships defeating Sunita Lama of Prime 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 here on Wednesday. Krishna Thapa of Neologian clinched the boys’ U-16 gold with a 14-12, 5-11, 11-3, 11-8 win over fellow college-mate Rabin Sadh. Prime duo of Pradip Roka and Sunita Lama won the mixed doubles gold medal with an 11-8, 11-8, 13-11 win over Morgan pair of Prajjwal Shrestha abd Elina Maharjan, while Prime beat Bijeshwori Gyan Mandir 3-2 to clinch the boys’ team event gold medal. — HNS

Niraj gets assistance

KATHMANDU: Judoka Niraj Chandra Roy, who sustained hand injury during the training four years ago, has received financial assistance for the treatment to his injury on Wednesday. Niraj received Rs 32,810 collected from the judo players, coaches and officials. Niraj will undergo an operation on Saturday to remove a steel plate from his his left hand.

Suarez extends stay

LONDON: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez signed a new long-term contract on Tuesday. The Uruguayan joined Liverpool in January 2011 and has scored 21 goals in his 52 appearances for the club. “To sign a new contract with Liverpool is unbelievable for me because I am so happy here at both the club and also in the city,” Suarez told the club’s website. Suarez served an eight-match ban last season after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.