Nepal Swimming Association handed over the 12th South Asian Games rewards to swimmer Gaurika Singh amidst a programme here at the International Sports Complex today.

Singh received Rs 900,000 as rewards for her outstanding achievements in the SA Games held in India earlier this year. Singh had created history in Guwahati by becoming the first Nepali swimmer to win individual medal in the regional sporting extravaganza. Records were shattered when she bagged a total of four medals, one silver and three bronze.

As per the National Sports Council’s policy of rewarding the regional meet’s medallists, Singh was to receive Rs 300,000 for the silver medal and Rs 200,000 each for three bronze medals. The then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had handed over the rewards to the medallists, coaches and national associations last month but Singh — who lives in London with her family — was not present at the programme. The NSA had collected the amount and certificates on behalf of the swimmer and Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha gave away the amount and appreciation letters to Singh today.

Singh had won silver medal in the women’s 200m individual medley and bronze medals in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 400m freestyle. She also set nine national records in individual events and three in team events in the SA Games. Nepal had won a total of 60 medals — three gold, 23 silver and 34 bronze — in the regional meet. The gold, silver and bronze medallists in individual events had received Rs 500,000, Rs 300,000 and Rs 200,000 respectively. The 13-year-old Singh received Rs 300,000 for winning the silver medal and Rs 600,000 for three bronze medals. The government had handed over a total of Rs 40 million to the SA Games medallists, coaches and national associations for their achievements in SAG.

Singh also represented Nepal in this month’s Olympic Games in Brazil and also became the youngest athlete in Rio at 13 years and 255 days. She competed in 100m backstroke and won the three-player heats although she failed in her bid of breaking the national record in 31st Summer Olympic Games.

NSA President Ashok Bajracharya handed over Rs 50,000 to Singh for her achievements in the regional games along with certificate of participation in the Olympic Games. Singh expressed her happiness for the rewards and felicitation. “The South Asian Games experience was amazing and I am happy to get this honour,” she said. Singh said her next target was to participate in the 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Japan.

NOC President Shrestha said Singh’s involvement led Nepali swimming to new heights. “Her performance in SA Games helped Nepali swimming reach new heights and that has encouraged newcomers,” Shrestha said.