Shuttlers confirm two medals

Pokhara, December 1

Nepal confirmed at least two bronze medals in badminton tournament under the 13th South Asian Games after both teams advanced to the semi-finals today.

In the men’s team event, the men’s team beat Bhutan, while women’s team defeated Bangladesh with identical scores of 3-0 to make it to the last four. Both teams will now face Sri Lankan opponents for places in final.

In men’s section, top seed Ratnajit Tamang saw off Anish Gurung of Bhutan 21-6, 21-9, while Dipesh Dhami defeated Nordup Dorje 21- 13, 21-14. Likewise young shuttler Prince Dahal, who won a gold and two silver medals in the Dubai Junior International Badminton Series in September, dispatched Norbu Dradhul 21- 12, 21-5.

In women’s section, Nangsal Tamang beat Bangladeshi counterpart Shalpa Akhtar 21-18, 15-21, 21-17, while her teammate Rashila Maharjan record a hardfought 28-26, 21-19 victory over Elina Sultana. Likewise, Jessica Gurung defeated Vistri Khatun 21-18, 22-20. Nepal coach Sudip Yonjan said the results came with the hard work by the players.

Hopeful Yonjan added: “If the players put up confident shows like this, I am sure we can make it to the final.”

In the day’s another event, Pakistani men’s and women’s teams registered identical 3-1 victories over Bangladesh and Maldives respectively.

A total of 94 players from seven nations are competing at the newly-built covered hall at the Pokhara Stadium for 28 medals — seven gold, seven silver and 14 bronze medals.

Volleyball

KATHMANDU: India and Pakistan advanced to the men’s volleyball final at the NSC covered hall. India defeated Sri Lanka 27-25, 25- 19, 21-25, 25-21, while Pakistan outplayed Bangladesh 25-15, 25-21, 26-24. Nepal crashed out from group stage after losing to Bangladesh and India in the league round. In women’s section, Nepal and India have already made it to the final.

Kho-Kho

KATHMANDU: Nepal registered victories over Bangladesh in Kho-Kho at the Nayabazaar covered hall in Kirtipur. Nepali men’s team defeated Bangladesh 21-19, while the home side registered a 11-9 victory in women’s section. In other matches, India outplayed Sri Lanka 21-8 in men’s section, while the Indian women’s team recorded a 32-4 victory over Sri Lanka. A total of eight teams are taking part in the round-robin tournament.