TANSEN: Local players Krishna Thapa and Jhalak Budha Magar claimed the gold medals in men’s spiring on the inaugural day of the second Monmohan Memorial National ITF Taekwondo Championships here today.

Thapa beat Jagadish Yadhav of Mid Western Region in final of the 45-50kg while Budha Magar saw off Suraj Sunar of Western Region in the 55-60kg category final.

Tasbin Pun Magar clinched the men’s 50-55kg spiring gold beating Bhola Karki of Tribhuvan Army Club in final. Hosts Palpa also won three patron gold medals. Western Region and Central Region also claimed two and one gold medal respectively in patron.

Earlier, former MP of Palpa Som Prasad Pandey inaugurated the tournament organised by the Nepal International Taekwondo Federation. Player from five development regions along with Tribhuvan Army Club and the hosts Palpa are taking part in the championships.

In all 66 men and 27 women are competing for 23 gold medals in spring (individual and team) and patron (individual and team) section. The best players in both the spiring and patron categories will receive Rs 7,500 each, said the organisers.