By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Aug. 17: The Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) announced on Sunday the five nominees for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, a marquee category of the 23rd NSJF Pulsar Sports Award.
The shortlist features volleyball player Mina Sunar, footballer Puja Rana, karateka Sanumaya Thing, cricketer Sher Malla, and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rabindra Dhant.
During the announcement, the NSJF also signed a partnership agreement with the digital wallet provider Khalti by IME, which will serve as the exclusive platform for electronic voting.
The memorandum was signed by NSJF President Niranjan Adhikari and Khalti Manager Puja Dhami.
In a significant departure from previous years, the NSJF has introduced a new voting format to improve transparency and shift the focus from financial capacity to merit.
Previously, supporters could cast an unlimited number of paid votes, leading to criticism that the system favoured candidates with greater funding. Under the new rules, each user is restricted to one vote per day, at a fixed cost of Rs. 10.
“Our objective is not profit, but ensuring the most deserving candidates are recognised,” said President Adhikari. “We are confident this equitable approach will be welcomed by all stakeholders.”
The winner will be determined by a weighted scoring system, with digital votes via Khalti accounting for 50 per cent of the total.
The remaining 50 per cent will be aggregated from votes cast on the official ‘NSJF Pulsar Sports Award’ and ‘Pulsar Nepal’ Facebook pages, alongside ballots submitted by national coaches and NSJF members.
The eventual victor will be presented with a Pulsar motorcycle.
Mina Sunar, a spiker and captain of the Everest Volleyball Club in Butwal, earned her nomination following standout performances in the CAVA Women’s Championship and the CAVA Women’s Club Championship.
Footballer Puja Rana, who has gained professional experience with Transport United in Bhutan and Bangladeshi clubs Farashganj SC and Nasrin Sports Academy, was recognised for her consistent high performance during the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan.
Karate athlete Sanumaya Thing has established herself on the international stage by representing Nepal at the World Karate Championship in Cairo and the 21st Asian Karate Championship.
Her career highlights include gold and silver medals at the South Asian Karate Championship and a gold medal at the UKKC 1st Ultimate Kata and Kumite Challenge.
Cricketer Sher Malla remains a rising talent, having famously claimed a wicket on the first ball of his ICC T20 World Cup debut. A vital member of the Lumbini Lions’ Nepal Premier League (NPL) title-winning side, he secured 17 wickets across 10 matches during the season.
Finally, MMA fighter Rabindra Dhant, widely known as the ‘Tiger of Bajhang’, is the reigning Matrix Fight Night 17 Bantamweight Champion.
He holds a top-205 ranking in the Asia-Pacific region and is the first Nepali fighter to reach the semi-finals of the ‘Road to UFC’ series.
The Rising Nepal
