Pokhara, October 12

Olympian swimmer Sirish Gurung won the title of the eighth Open Water Swimming Tournament here at the Fewa Lake today.

The Tribhuvan Army Club swimmer completed the 2.5km distance in 21 minutes and 32.67 seconds to win the third title of the tournament. Gurung had also won the fifth and sixth editions of the competition.

Bedagya Raj Joshi came second in 21:38.11, while Dipankar Awale was third in 21:42.92. Top three swimmers received Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

In women’s section, Upasti Maharjan of Kathmandu finished first with the timing of 22 minutes and 33.35 seconds, while Samira Shova Thapa (23:55.95) and Shrebi Maharjan (24:05.77) came second and third. They earned Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Dhanman Gurung, Arjun Nepali and Thakur Chaudhary claimed the top three spots among the swimmers from Pokhara. They got Rs 8,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.

A total of 40 players including five foreigners took part in the annual competition organised by Kaski District Swimming Association and District Sports Development Committee under the auspices of Nepal Swimming Association. Member of Parliament from Gandaki Province Rajeev Pahari handed over the prizes to the winners.