Kathmandu, September 13

Central Media Gaming (CMG) Club felicitated the first SAFF U-19 Championship winning team with cash rewards here today.

CMG honoured the 23 players, three coaches and a manager with Rs 111,111 and also handed over a track suit each as an honour for winning the SAFF U-19 Championship held from August 20-29 at the ANFA Complex. Nepal beat India 5-4 in the penalty shoot out to claim the trophy -- first major title in age-group -- ending the 22-year title drought in all level.

CMG Club President and CEO Narendra Sah and ANFA President Ganesh Thapa handed over the rewards to team coach Bal Gopal Maharjan, manager Diwakar Ghale and skipper Bimal Gharti Magar.

Speaking at the programme, ANFA President Thapa said that Nepal national team was not weak. “The Malaysian FA came into big trouble after the team faced heavy defeat in the World Cup qualifier match against the UAE. Even the president of Malaysia FA had to step down from his post,” said Thapa.

“If Nepal national team faces such defeat, the whole ANFA committee will resign,” said Thapa. He also wished luck to the junior team which is scheduled to participate in the AFC U-19 Championship qualifier in October in Iran.

The SAFF U-19 winning coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said the team’s victory ended the title drought for the nation. “Private sector must join their hands for the development of the game,” he added. Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports Dipendra Nath Sharma argued that sports would help people come together and spread harmony.