Kathmandu, January 8

The Nepali Army rewarded the seventh National Games medal winning athletes and coaches of the Tribhuvan Army Club amidst a function here today.

The TAC had finished first in the medal tally to win the championship for the first time in the history of National Games. TAC won 142 gold, 59 silver and 42 bronze medals to claim the top position with a total of 243 medals in the national sporting extravaganza held in the Eastern Region from December 23-30 last year. TAC won 113 gold medals in Eastern Region, while they had claimed 25 gold medals in swimming and four in triathlon in the events held last year.

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri handed over Rs 15,000 each to four players who broke national records, while gold, silver and bronze medallists received Rs 12,000, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. Likewise, 18 coaches received Rs 10,000 apiece.

According to Sports Department Chief Lt Col Ram Kaji Rana Magar, a total of 444 players were honoured with cash rewards in the programme. The TAC had sent a 586-strong contingent in the National Games that included 511 athletes and 75 officials.

“The Nepali Army is proud of its athletes who claimed the historic victory in the national-level meet,” said the NA in a release. “We believe our athletes will give their best performance in the days to come and add new avenues in national and international arena taking the national flag to a new height,” the release added.