Kathmandu, June 10

Bodybuilder Maheshwor Maharjan is preparing hard for Mr Universe Championships but before that he is hoping to win the prestigious People’s Choice award under the Pulsar Sports Award.

Maharjan stole the limelight after winning the gold medal in the 75kg weight category competition in the 10th World Bodybuilding and Sports Physique Championship in Thailand last year. He is the lone Nepali bodybuilder to win gold medals in Asian and World Championships.

Now he is fighting in a completely different field and he knows the competition is tough. Maharjan is one of the five nominees in the Pulsar Sports Award powered by GoldStar and the winner will be selected through SMS and Facebook likes along with the votes of sports journalists and head coaches. THT LIVE is the official voting partner of the Award.

“This is the most prestigious award in Nepal’s sports fraternity and I want to win this,” said Maharjan, who is nominated along with cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, footballer Sabitra Bhandari, volleyball player Reshma Bhandari and badminton player Prince Dahal. “As all the athletes are stars in their fields, the competition is tough,” he said.

A lean and thin Maharjan had joined the nearby gym during his schooldays and had not thought of becoming an athlete even in his wildest dreams. But his hard works have paid off and he has claimed numerous accolades in national and international competitions.

Next up for Maharjan is Mr Universe and he has already started his preparations for the event.

“The nomination in the People’s Choice Award came to me as a boost and it gave me added energy to prepare well for the global championship,” he added.

The 16th edition of the Award features 10 categories and the winners of male, female, coach and people’s choice will receive Pulsar NS160 motorcycle each. The youth, para-athlete, special, lifetime achievement, team of the year and Asian journalist winners will get Rs 50,000 apiece.

NSJF has already signed the title sponsorship agreement with Hansraj Hulaschand and Company Limited — the authorised distributor of Pulsar motorcycles in Nepal, while National Sports Council, Nepal Olympic Committee, Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd, Kelme Nepal, Avenues Khabar, Dish Media Network, Royal Singi Hotel, Timex and Emaging are the co-sponsors and partners of the award programme.