Kathmandu, September 23

The Asian Sports Press Association, AIPS-Asia on Thursday honoured Nepal Sports Journalist Forum’s Immediate Past President Ajay Phuyal with the gold medal amidst a programme organised to mark the first Asian Sports Journalist Day in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Phuyal, sports editor at Nagarik, was nominated by the NSJF for the event. The AIPS-Asia had decided to organise the programme during its executive committee meeting hosted by the NSJF in Kathmandu July.

Vice-chairman of Council of Minster of Turkmenistan Sapardurdy Toylyyew Toylyyewig and AIPS-Asia President Mohammed Qasim handed over the gold medal and felicitation letter to Phuyal.

Phuyal was selected in the final 25 sports journalists from among 46 recommended by their respective national associations.

The government of Turkmenistan organised the programme under the auspices of the AIPS-Asia. Four sports journalists received the lifetime achievement award, while 21 others including Phuyal were honoured with gold medals.

Phuyal, who began journalism two decades ago, has been working in sports since 2001. “I am delighted to be honoured by the AIPS Asia and receiving the award in the first edition of the programme is awesome,” said Phuyal.

“I had never imagined of getting the award of this stature and I am happy to be recognised by the AIPS-Asia. This will encourage me in the days to come.

There are so many things to be done in sports journalism back home and I believe learning process never ends in this profession,” added Phuyal, who is also the Member of the Media Committee of AIPS-Asia.

General Secretary of NSJF Prakash Timalsina, Treasurer Prajwal Oli and Ex-officio Member Niranjan Rajbanshi, who is also the Treasurer of AIPS-Asia, also attended the programme in Ashgabat