Kathmandu, December 4

Deepak Hamal added one more gold to wushu kitty after he finished first in Nanquan Allround event of Taolu under the 13th South Asian Games here at the Nepali Army Sports Complex covered hall today.

Hamal accumulated 19.32 points to win the gold medal, ahead of India’s Sajan Lama, who earned 19.12 points. Bangladesh’s Mohd Amir Hossain came third with 17.18 points. Hamal earned 9.70 in Nanquan yesterday and added 9.62 points in Nangun today to win the gold medal.

Hamal, who had finished ninth among 54 participants in the World Championship in China last month, said he was under pressure to perform after earning good scores on the first day. “I am extremely happy as I had hoped of winning gold,” said Hamal.

“I was a little bit nervous as I had to give my best performance to hope for the gold. The result was not in my hand but I convinced myself to give the best and I did,” he said.

Hamal said running around the arena with national flag was a dream of every player. “That was the proudest moment and my dreams came true today,” he added. “I would like to give the credits of this opportunity to my coaches and family,” said the 25-year-old Hamal, who hails from Surkhet. “Now I want to do well in Asia.”

Nepal’s Hari Prasad Gole finished third in Taijijian Allround finishing behind Sri Lanka and India but the event remained controversial after India and Nepal protested over referee decision.

As soon as the judges awarded Sri Lankan Tharidu Namal Anuratha 9.21 points in the second day’s performance, Nepal and India officials sat entered the arena and halted the competition.

India’s Gyandash Singh had accumulated 18.74 points, while Nepal’s Gole earned 18.49 points. The organisers had to use security personnel to remove the protesting players and officials from the arena.

The protest also saw fans hurling water bottles into the arena. Following the incident, the organisers banned water bottles in all the venues in Lalitpur.

The completion got underway after policemen removed the agitating officials and players from the arena, but India and Nepal boycotted the medal ceremony of the event. Sri Lankan player Anuratha stood alone on the podium as he waited for others to join him. But the organisers were forced to call off the ceremony after India and Nepal did not go to receive the medals.