Bista felicitated in home town

Kathmandu, February 20:

Taekwondo ace Depak Bista was felicitated in his home town for the first time on the occasion of Democracy Day on Monday.

Dhangadi Taekwondo Dojang, from where Bista started his career, organised a grand ceremony to honour the three-time South Asian Games gold medallist and two-time Asian Games bronze medallist. He was also handed over Rs 5,000 on the occasion.

“I am very happy that my mother dojang felicitated me for the first time,” Bista told The Himalayan Times. “Such programmes will motivate the emerging youths to make their career in sports,” he added. “I am very pleased that the far western region recognised my achievement,” said Bista.

Bista was also honoured at Attariya of Dhangadi by a youth group and a local taekwondo dojang with Rs 5,000. He was also feted by a local taekwondo dojang of his home town of Jhalari in Mahendra Nagar. The dojang gave away Rs 5,000 and a souvenir while Armed Police Force SP Narendra Singh, who is also the former national volleyball player, rewarded Bista with Rs 5,000 on the occasion. Dhangadi District Sports Development Committee also handed over Rs 5,000 to Bista.

Bista was also feted in Mahendra Nagar by the District Development Committee. Local Development minister Rajendra Pandey handed over Rs 11,000 to him. On Wednesday, All Nepal Football Association rewarded Bista with Rs 50,000 for his feat.

“I am grateful to ANFA and its president Ganesh Thapa for the honour. It is good to be honoured by an association, but I am sad that Nepal Taekwondo Association is doing nothing on their part,” he said.