DHARAN: Sukra Bahadur Rai of Eastern Region carded one-under 69 to take the lead after the first round of the National Golf Tournament here at the Nirvana Country Club on Saturday.

Another Eastern Region golfer Sundar Rai was second at three-over 73, while Yubraj Bhujel and Ansu Limbu were tied for third at 75. In team event, Eastern Region pair of Rai and Shiva Raj Majhi (79) was at the top of the table with the score of eight-over 148.

Tribhuvan Army Club’s Maj Nischaya Jung Rayamajhi and Prithivi Malla were at the second position. Rayamajhi played seven-over 77, while Malla shot 80. Likewise, Kamal Tamang (80) and Prajwal Gurung (83) were third with the score of 163. A total of 34 players and four teams are taking part in the tournament.

Nepal Golf Association General Secretary Tashi Ghale said he was in talks with Youth and Sports Minister Daljit Sripaili and National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista for the inclusion of the sport in the seventh National Games.

The NSC had put golf as an exhibition game before removing it from the list saying the sport did not have enough teams.