Lalitpur: The National Sports Council (NSC) today handed over cash prizes to players who set national records and claimed the multiple gold medals during the fifth National Games.

Minster for Youth and Sports Gopal Shakya, who is also the chairperson of the NSC, had announced the awards during the closing ceremony of the fifth National Games two weeks earlier. Shakya had announced Rs 10,000 for each national record along with three categories of awards for multiple gold medalists. Players winning from 3-5 gold medals were eligible for Rs 25,000; from 5-9 for Rs 50,000; and from nine above Rs 75,000.

Swimmer Karishma Karki imprinted her name in the history books winning gold medals in all 12 events she participated in. The 17-year-old bettered a haul of nine gold medals by Nayana Shakya set during the fourth National Games in 1991. Despite the astonishing haul of medals, Karishma failed to break any national records and was content to receive Rs 75,000.

Nepal Police athlete Keshari Chaudhary earned Rs 45,000 - Rs 25,000 for winning five gold medals and Rs 20,000 for setting national records in long jump and high jump. Bal Krishna Chaudhary of APF (four gold), Chandra Singh Mahato (three gold) and Pramila Rijal (three gold) of APF received Rs 35,000 each. Apart from multiple gold medals, Bal Krishna has also set national record in high jump, Chandra Singh in 50m butterfly, Pramila in 400m run.

Players winning Rs 25,000 for their multiple gold medals were athletes Santosh Shrestha of APF (four), Suman Bhattarai (three) and Surya Maya Rai (three), swimmers Puspa Raj Shahi (four) and Sailesh Rana (three), gymnasts Srijana Prajapati (four) and Aman Tamang (three), shuttler (Puja Shrestha (four), and Nira Kayastha (soft tennis, three).

Likewise, weightlifters Kamal Bahadur Adhikari (69kg), Jhanta Katuwal (63kg), Devi Chaudhary (53kg) and Tara Devi Pun (69kg), Laxmi Bun (75kg) along with athlete Basanti Kumal Chaudhary (javelin throw), shooter Bijay Karki (air pistol) and archer Prem Prasad Pun all won Rs 10,000 for setting national records during the Games. Minister Shakya gave away the awards.