10th SA Games medallists to be rewarded

Kathmandu, September 2:

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala assured to reward the 10th South Asian Games (SAG) medallists at a function held at the PM’s residence today.

“The winners should be rewarded and we will decide about the amount of rewards after consulting other authorities,” Koirala said. “I am proud of the players who participated in the international event and won medals for the country,” he added.

Stating the sports as an inseperable part of the state, Koirala said that the players were the ‘uncrowned diplomats’ for the country. “Sports can be the easiest medium of resolving tensions between two countries. So the sportspersons could act as the seasonal ambassadors,” he said.

Jeewan Ram Shrestha, chef-de-mission of the Nepali contingent at the Games and member secretary of National Sports Council, briefed the PM about Nepal’s performance in Colombo.

Nepal finished fourth behind India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Games participated in by eight countries. Nepal won nine gold, 15 silver and 31 bronze medals, the best ever achievement abroad at the Games. Nepal’s best run was in the 8th SAF Games in 1999 (Kathmandu) where it won 31 gold, 10 silver and 24 bronze medals.