Key Takeaways:

• Third Dharan Sports Award scheduled for October 29 to honour athletes, coaches and sports contributors
• Awards will be presented in six categories, including best male athlete, female athlete, coach and sports journalist
• A public choice programme will select the top three among 10 prominent Dharan-based athletes

DHARAN, SEPTEMBER 19 The Dharan Sports Forum is set to organise the third edition of the Dharan Sports Award on October 29, with a focus on recognising athletes and promoting the professional development of sports in the city. The award ceremony will honour outstanding athletes, coaches and contributors to the sports sector in Dharan. Awards will be presented in six categories, including best male athlete, best female athlete, coach and sports journalist. The forum will also select the top three among 10 prominent Dharan-based athletes through a public choice programme, with votes from spectators and sports enthusiasts determining the winners. Forum Chairman Kishor Rai said recognising athletes alone would not be enough to develop the sports sector. He stressed the need for collaboration among the local government, business community and industries to improve the financial and professional prospects of athletes, coaches, referees and technical personnel. 'After Dharan has been declared a sports city, we must now move towards professionalising athletes and the sports sector. We should not only honour athletes but also create an environment that secures their future,' Rai said. The forum plans to connect local industries, businesses and companies with sports to create opportunities for athletes to earn income locally while receiving institutional support. According to Rai, the third Dharan Sports Award is intended to serve as the starting point of a long-term campaign to establish Dharan as a leading sports city. As part of preparations, the forum has also begun bringing together athletes, coaches, sports organisations, enthusiasts and media representatives to support the programme and strengthen the city's sporting ecosystem.