Mahendranagar, January 16

Nepal APF Club’s Sichhya Shrestha and Shova Gauchan won the women’s singles matches of the National Badminton Tournament under the NSC Championship here today.

Shrestha defeated Nilima Mahara of Far-western Region 23-21, 21-5, while Gauchan beat Prashunta Khatri 21-7, 21-12. Similarly, Central’s Tara Ale saw off Akriti KC of Western 21-8, 21-19, and Sunaina Mukhiya of Eastern beat Bishnu Bista of Far-western 21-11, 21-14.

Also, Sima Rajbanshi of Eastern thrashed Mid-western’s Pushpa Shahi 21-4, 21-5, Tribhuvan Army Club’s Anu Maya Rai recorded a 21-4, 21-3 victory over Kamana Oli of Mid-western, Sofi Khatri of Central beat Sundra Khanal of Western 21-12, 21-7, Eastern’s Nita Lamsal beat Western’s Sakuntala Bhushal 21-10, 21-9 and TAC’s Rashila Maharjan beat Ritu Ligal of Mid-western 21-6, 21-6. Central’s Shreya Pradhan, APF’s Sita Rai, Eastern’s Jessica Gurung, Mid-western’s Durga Sharma and TAC’s Amita Giri also won their matches.

In men’s singles qualifying round, Western’s Bishwas Nepal and Bishal Khadka, Eastern’s Pranish Singh Thakur and Far-western’s Chiran Bista won their matches and earned berths in the main draw.

Meanwhile, Nepal Badminton Association President Ramjee Bahadur Shrestha inaugurated the event. Far-western Region’s Dipesh Dhami was felicitated on the occasion. Dhami also received Rs 15,000. Also, Chhatra Narayan Khatri was also honoured for his contribution in the development of the game in the Far-western Region.