KATHMANDU: Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) announced the nominees for the Pulsar Player of the Year (PoY) Awards here today.

A five-member NSJF selection committee headed by NSJF secretary Mahesh Acharya announced the five nominees in each of the four categories — best male, female, youth and coach of the year.

The NSJF has already named the seven nominees for the Popular PoY Award. NSJF awards sportsperson in seven categories with only Lifetime Achievement and Special Award to be presented directly during the function, slated this year at the Rastriya Nachghar on September 10.

Professional golfer Shivaram Shrestha, Nepal Police Club and national team forward Ju Manu Rai, athlete Bal Krishna Chaudhary, Nepal’s one and only FIDE Master Manish Hamal and Tribhuvan Army Club weightlifter Kamal Bahadur Adhikari were nominated for the Pulsar Male Player of the Year.

Swimmer Karishma Karki, Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club athlete Pramila Rijal, weightlifter Jhanta Katuwal, judoka Sunita Magar and cricketer Rekha Rawal were nominated for the Female Player the Year.

Likewise, nominees for the Youth PoY are athlete and cricketer Keshari Chaudhary, cricketer Prithu Baskota, footballer Biraj Maharjan, cricketer Maya Rawat and teenaged middle distance runner Bishwo Rupa Budha.

Nominees for the Best Coach of the Year include Sushil Narsingha Rana of Nepal APF Club (athletics), Roy Luke Dias (cricket), Jit Bahadur Chaudhary (judo), Jamil Ansari (cricket) and Ishwor Karki (swimming).

Swimmer Karishma, chess player Manish and athlete Pramila are also the nominees for the Popular PoY Award. Popular PoY Award is decided through SMS voting. THT Live 2722 is the official voting partner.

Winners in the Male, Female and Popular award category will receive Rs 25,000 each while winners in the Youth, Coach and Special award will get Rs 15,000 each apart from gift hampers.