Kathmandu, July 22:

Raj Kumar Ghising scored two goals in two minutes as Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) defeated Nabil Three Star Club (N3S) 2-0 in a friendly match — Challenge to the Champion — here at Dasharath Stadium today.

The match was organised by Nepal Sports Journalists’ Forum (NSJF) in association with Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) to raise fund for the Journalists’ Welfare Fund to support the education of the children of the journalists killed during the 13-year-long armed conflict in the country.

Daughters of slain journalist Dekendra Thapa, 10-year-old Nutan and nine-year-old Nisha inaugurated the match. FNJ Chairman Bishnu Nisthuri, National Sports Council member secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha, FNJ general secretary Mahendra Bista, ANFA President Ganesh Thapa and NSJF officials were also present on the occasion.

Thapa, a Dailekh-based journalist associated with Radio Nepal, was murdered by the Maoists on August 11, 2004 accusing him of spying for the security forces. The match was evenly poised with both the teams creating opportunities before Ghising broke the deadlock in the

89th minute. Ghising found the net when he slammed home a powerful drive from 25 yards into the second bar beating diving N3S goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh. Ghising doubled the tally two minutes later when he scored from the edge of the penalty box.

Ghising and Anjan KC of N3S were adjudged the man of the match and will share a table with two lucky spectators (ticket number 89 and 111) at Bhancha Ghar for lunch or dinner.

Nutan and Nisha, who are studying in class five and two respectively, gave away prizes to the players and letters of appreciation to the individuals and associations who helped for the noble cause.

Among the major contributors were Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Airlines Corporation, who provided Rs 100,000 each, while National Sports Council and Nepal Telecom donated Rs 50,000 each.

Thanking the spectators who came to Dasharath Stadium to watch the match, the organisers informed that the gate collection reached Rs 280,100. According to NSJF president Niranjan Rajbanshi, the proceeds will be handed over to the Journalists’ Welfare Fund through FNJ amid a separate function later.