Kathmandu, August 14

Nepal Sports Journalists Forum announced five nominees of the People’s Choice Award category of the Pulsar Sports Award 2073 here today.

Cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee, swimmer Gaurika Singh, athlete Kanchhi Maya Koju, judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri and footballer Sujal Shrestha were picked up by the Selection Committee headed by NSJF Secretary Raju Ghising. The winner will be decided through SMS voting and Facebook likes.

NSJF is holding the award ceremony at the Nepal Academy Hall on September 11.

Cricketer Airee said he was delighted with the nomination. “I am happy for being nominated in the People’s Choice Award,” said the U-19 player. He scored a total of 357 runs last year including 211 runs for the national team with three half centuries.

Swimmer Singh, the youngest player of the Rio Olympic Games 2016 held in Brazil, said she was honoured for being nominated. Singh, who lives in England with her parents, won a silver and three bronze medals in the 12th South Asian Games. “I am humbled and grateful for the nomination among so many talented players,” said Singh, who is here to participate in the 20th National Swimming Championships.

Similarly, long distance runner Koju, who won seven out of eight events last year, thanked the NSJF for recognising her achievements. “I would like to request everyone to vote me and make me the winner,” said Koju.

Judoka Khatri, who represented Nepal in the Rio Olympic Games, said she was shocked to know about the nomination. “I had not thought of being nominated. I am thankful to NSJF for recognising my success,” said Khatri, who became the first Nepali judoka to play full four minutes in Rio. Khatri bagged silver medal in the 17th Asian Junior Judo Championships in Kochi, India last year and claimed gold medal in the seventh National Games.

Footballer Shrestha was not present at the programme as he is in national team duty in Japan to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2009 qualifier against Tajikistan slated for September 5. Shrestha stole the limelight when he scored the solitary goal against Macau in the final of the AFC Solidarity Cup in Malaysia in November last year. Shrestha also played key role in making Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club champions in Duhabi, Khaptad, Aaha-Rara and Jhapa Gold Cup tournaments.

NSJF President Mahesh Acharya said all the nominees were already winners as they were selected from among the best players of the country. The Pulsar Sports Award — which includes eight categories — is slated for September 11. The winners of People’s Choice, Male and Female categories will receive Bajaj NS160 motorbike each, while others will get 50,000 and gift hampers.

Meanwhile, NSJF signed the memorandum of understanding with THT LIVE and Avenues Television. THT LIVE is the Voting Partner of the Award, while Avenues TV is the media partner. NSJF President Acharya and THT LIVE Senior Officer Bhupendra Tamang exchanged the MoU, while Acharya and Avenues TV Chief Executive Officer Samriddhi Rajkarnikar signed the papers. Rajkarnikar said Avenues TV was honoured to be a part of the Award. “We have been associated with this Award for a long time and we will keep supporting athletes of the country,” she added.