Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 20:

Nepal Paralympic Committee organised Astrid Voehringer National Open Wheelchair Race at Dasharath Stadium today. Altogether 40 physicall challenged athletes from all over the country participated in the competition.

The event was divided into four categories — 100 metre female, 100m male, 400m male and 800m male. In female 100m race, Sheelu Dhungana of Bhaktapur, Brinda Adhikari of Taplejung and Naushara Magar of Nawalparasi came first, second and third respectively.

The male participants were divided into three categories — polio, spinal injury and others. In the first heat of 100m race, Rukmagat Neupane of Baglung, Govinda Khanal of Syangja and Bikash Dhital of Sindhupalchok grabbed top three spots respectively.

In the second heat, Sanjaya Bantawa of Udaypur, Netra Prasad Koirala of Dolakha and Dhundi Raj Chalise of Rautahat finished first, second and third respectively. Similarly, Khadga Garbuja of Myagdi, Ramesh Purja Pun of Myagdi and Palsang Lama of Sindhupalchok took away the top three spots respectively in the third heat.

In 400m category, Tek Bahadur Gurung of Kathmandu, Mingmar Sherpa of Solukhumbu and Krishna Raj Chaudhari of Kailali finished first, second and third respectively, whereas Amar Rai of Jhapa, Sunil Maharjan of Lalitpur and Nanda Lal Shrestha of Dhading claimed top three spots respectively in the second heat.

In 400m third heat, Ramesh Purja Pun of Myagdi, Tulasi Banskota of Panchthar and Rishi Dhakal of Lalitpur emerged victorious. In the men’s 800m race, Amar Rai of Jhapa, Mingmar Sherpa of Solukhumbu and Ramesh Purja Pun of Myagdi grabbed top three spots respectively. The participants were given Rs 200 each along with medals and certificates.

Earlier, Kishor Bahadur Singh, member secretary of National Sports Council, inaugurated the event. He said that such competitions should be organised on a regular basis as an inspiration to the physically challenged citizens.

Astrid Voehringer, a German national, said that she was encouraged to sponsor the event after seeing the poor condition of wheelchair bound people in Nepal. She also informed that she brought some wheelchairs to the physically challenged people after she saw only two participants in the last edition of the event.

The event was followed by a cultural programme presented by Astrid Voehringer School of Dadikot. All participants were given Rs 200 by the organising committee.

President of NPC Yuvraj Khati, coordinator of the event Dhundi Raj Chalise, representatives from JICA, Action Aid Nepal, Handicap International, Kathmandu Metropolis, Education and Sports ministry, German Embassy and other distinguished guests were also present on the occasion.