KATHMANDU: Nepal’s campaign in the first Asian Martial Arts Games in Bangkok started with three disappointing defeats in Judo today.

Held at the Bangkok Youth Center Hall, Sushila Adhikari suffered a humiliating 11-0 defeat against Atefa Hussien of Afghanistan. Fighting in the below 52kg section, Adhikari, however, was the only Nepali player to have lasted five minutes in the arena. In the men’s below 60kg, Saroj Maharjan could only last for 22 seconds against a Korean opponent. Both Adhikari and Maharjan had a first round bye and were competing in the round of 16.

Another Nepali player Ramesh Magar also suffered similar fate fighting in the men’s below 66kg section. Magar lost against local opponent Manvit Somwun 10-0 in the third minute. Referee declared Somwun the winner after Magar committed foul for the fourth time in the game.

Nepal’s Japanese coach Maida Masahiro blamed lack of training for the poor showing of the players. “Lack of technical knowledge was evident by their performance,” added the coach. Nepal’s team manager Rajesh Karmacharya, however, said lack of power play was the reason for the disappointing performance of the Nepali players. “Power training is a must for the players to perform well,” Karmacharya added.

Kaluman Tamang, who also has a first round bye, is scheduled to play in the pre-quarterfinals of the men’s 90kg section on Monday. Tamang expressed confidence of faring well.

Nepali players are also scheduled to compete in taekwondo tournament on Monday. Sakumar Basnet will fight in 54-58kg section against a Palestinian opponent while Apsara Karki received a first round by in the women’s 47-51kg section. Four taekwondo players are representing Nepali in the Games.

Nepal are taking part in four — Judo, Taekwondo, Karate and Wushu — of the nine martial art events included in the Games. In all, 955 players from 45 nations are taking part in the championships.