Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, February 8:

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) awarded the Martyrs’ Memorial ‘B’ Division League winners Machhindra Bahal Club and the runners-up Bouddha Football Club with Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively at a programme here today.

Machhindra Bahal Club won the ‘B’ Division title and entered the ‘A’ Division after 29 years of struggle, while Bouddha FC, established two years ago made it to the ‘A’ Division with a perfect record — winners in the ‘C’ division last year and runners-up in the ‘B’ Division this year. Member secretary of National Sports Council Kishor Bahadur Singh gave away trophy, medals and certificates.

ANFA president Ganesh Thapa said that the ‘A’ Division League would be held in October, citing the weather problems and other obstacles faced during the previous editions. Thapa also said, “Next year on, ANFA has decided to increase the prize money to Rs 10,00,000 for the ‘A’ Division League winners.” The winners will also get an opportunity to take part in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Cup.

He reiterated that the best player of the national league would be given a car. Thapa said that the increase in the prize money and awarding the best player with a car were all to encourage the players and the clubs.

Meanwhile, ANFA also awarded the players of Nepal ‘Red’ and Nepal ‘Blue’, who took part in the recently concluded San Miguel International Cup Football Tournament with Rs 7,291 each. Apart from the 44 players, coaches of Nepal ‘Red’ Shyam Thapa and Raju Shakya; and coaches Maheshwor Mulmi and Ashok KC of Nepal ‘Blue’ also recieved the cash prizes.