Kathmandu, February 28

Nepal National and International Players Association honoured Olympian Hari Bahadur Rokaya with the Gajaraj Joshi Memorial Ideal Sports Personality Award here at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture today.

Former Finance Minister Shankar Koirala and Gajaraj Joshi Memorial Foundation President Manish Joshi handed over Rs 25,000 and letter of appreciation to Olympian marathon athlete Rokaya, who won the Everest Marathon for three consecutive times.

“I am happy to receive the award for my contribution in the sector and I believe the award will inspire new generation to dedicate themselves

to sports. Actually such awards should be given by the government,” said Olympian Rokaya after receiving the award.

Similarly, NNIPA also honoured 22 players from various sports disciplines with the Player of the Year Award during the ceremony. The winners received Rs 10,000 each — Rs 5,000 from NNIPA and same amount of money from their respective associations.

National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista, NNIPA President Deepak Bista and General Secretary Deepak Shrestha among others handed over the awards to the winners.

Weightlifter Bikash Thapa, footballer Nawayug Shrestha, spiker Saraswoti Chaudhary, taekwondo player Bir Bahadur Mahara, wrestler Saroj Yadav, archer Prem Prasad Pun, squash player Arhant Keshar Singh, boxer Saraswoti Rana Magar, shuttler Nangshal Devi Tamang, judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri, shooter Sneha Rajya Laxmi Rana, cyclist Ajay Pandit, triathlon athlete Roja KC, kabbadi player Shanti Malla, lawn tennis player Abhishek Bastola, hockey player Kushma Rana Magar, kho-kho’s Arpana Kumari Mahato, swimmer Gaurika Singh, wushuka Nima Gharti Magar, table tennis player Deep Saun, handball player Ranjana Rai and athlete Hari Kumar Rimal were honoured with the awards.