Lalitpur, January 18

Olympian Nisha Rawal claimed the heavyweight section gold medal on the opening day of the 14th National Taekwondo Tournament under the NSC Championship here today.

The Tribhuvan Army Club player Rawal, who finished overall seventh in the Rio Olympic Games two years ago, defeated Sushma Gurung of Central Region in the above-73kg final.

Likewise, Sita Tamang of Nepal Police Club and Apsara Karki of Nepal APF Club bagged gold medals. Tamang beat TAC’s Reshma Thapa in below-67kg weight category final, while Karki defeated Sumita KC of NPC to finish first in the below-73kg section.

In men’s section, Anoj Pujari and James Pradhan of NPC and Central Region’s Bhupen Pun claimed gold medals. Pujari won the above-87kg section with a win over TAC’s Mohammad Wes, while Pradhan outplayed Ujjwal Guragain of TAC in the below-80kg final. Likewise, Pun bagged the below-87kg section gold beating Durga Thapa of NPC.

In Poomsae, Nabin Shrestha (below-16yrs) of APF, Shishir Shrestha (below-20) of TAC and Kamal Shrestha (above-20) of NPC won men’s section gold medals. Likewise, Monika Ramtel (below-16yrs) of NPC, Sina Maden (below-20) of Eastern Region and Nita Gurung (above-20) of TAC bagged gold medals in women’s Poomsae.

Meanwhile, para-taekwondo players played exhibition matches, while Kapan Tigers performed demonstration during the opening ceremony. A total of 176 players from five development regions and three departmental sides are taking part in the three-day tournament organised by Nepal Taekwondo Association.