Kathmandu, December 6

Golfer Subash Tamang became the third Nepali player to win double gold medals in the 13th South Asian Games here at the Gokarna Golf Club today.

Tamang bagged Nepal’s first-ever gold medal in individual section and teamed up with Sukra Bahadur Rai, Tanka Bahadur Karki and Niraj Tamang to finish first in team event. Karateka Manday Kaji Shrestha and taekwondo player Ayasha Shakya are the other athletes who bagged two gold medals in the ongoing meet. Swimmer Gaurika Singh later joined the list with her second gold.

The 17-year-old Tamang carded three-under 69 in the final round to post 14-under 274 and he registered eight-stroke victory over Bangladesh’s Mohammad Farad, who moved to second after he carded four-under 68. Sukra Bahadur Rai claimed third with the score of four-under 282 after he fired three-under 69.

Subash Tamang said he was extremely happy to create history in golf. “I am happy that I was able to win

gold medals for the country,” said Subash Tamang, who presented the medals to Nepal Golf Association President and his mentor Tashi Ghale after the presentation ceremony.

Ghale, in return, lauded the players’ efforts. “These players have put in a lot of efforts and they have made us proud with the gold medals,” Ghale said.

Nepal bagged the second gold medal of the tournament when Subash Tamang, Sukra Bahadur Rai, Tanka Bahadur Karki and Niraj Tamang finished first in men’s team event with the score of 26-under 838. Bangladesh claimed silver with the score of eight-under 856, while Sri Lanka earned bronze with the score of 14-over 878.

Grace Yatawara of Sri Lanka won women’s section gold medal with the score of eight-over 296 after she played a round of five-over 77. Jakia Sultana of Bangladesh fired one-over 73 and bagged silver medal with the score of 29-over 217, while Thuhashini Selvaratnam (77) of Sri Lanka came third with the score of 30-over 318. Nepal’s Kasmira Shah was sixth at 332.

In women’s team event, Sri Lanka won gold medal with the score of 31-over 607, while Bangladesh came second at 63-over 639. Nepali team of Kashmira Shah, Rabina Shrestha and Sushma Koirala won bronze medal with the score of 105-over.

Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports Ram Thapaliya, Vice-president of National Sports Council and chef-de-mission of Nepal Pitamber Timsina, NGA President Tashi Ghale, Vice-president Pavitra Kumar Karki and Vice-president of Bhutan Golf Association Sonam Wangchuk Kesang gave away the prizes to the winners.