Kathmandu, June 21 Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Foundation today honoured volleyball player Pratibha Mali with the Sher Bahadur Khadka Memorial Sports Award here today. The foundation also felicitated New Diamond Academy coach Kumar Rai. The foundation felicitated Mali with Rs 50,000 for securing 3.5 GPA (Grade A) in Secondary Education Exam (SEE) and honoured coach Rai with Rs 25,000 for his contribution in the development of Nepal’s women volleyball by producing talented players for more than one decade. Foundation President Ranjan Khadka and Patron Gamali Khadka handed over the cash and letter of appreciation to Mali and Rai amidst a function. Khadka said the foundation honoured Mali with the cash so that she could continue her study along with the game. “Mali established herself as one of the best volleyball players at a young age and the honour is to boost her morale so that she can  continue with her passion for volleyball along with education,” said Khadka. Mali, one of the three women spikers receiving the two-year scholarship from the foundation, said it was difficult for her to manage time for study and volleyball before SEE. “I had to work hard from the beginning of the academic year as I knew volleyball tournaments would hamper my studies,” said Mali, the key player of New Diamond Academy. “I consulted with the teachers for major subjects and prepared accordingly. However, I am still not happy with the results as I could have done even better. I will try to do better in Higher Secondary level,” said Mali. Mali said the honour from the foundation was a motivational factor and would inspire her to do better in coming days. Similarly, coach Rai said he was delighted for being honoured from the foundation. “I am happy to get recognition for my contribution in the development of women’s volleyball and I will continue working it,” said Rai. Rai also said that Nepal Volleyball Association members were indifferent about youth volleyball events. “There are international competitions for youth volleyball teams but the NVA officials did not pay proper attention towards them,” said Rai.