By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, July 6: Nepali bodybuilders returned to a hero’s welcome following their medal-winning feat at the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship on Sunday. The National Sports Council (NSC) received the team at its office.
Member of Parliament Rajani Shrestha and NSC Member Secretary Ram Charitra Mehta greeted the athletes. On the occasion, MP Shrestha congratulated the medalists and urged NSC to take the initiative in providing cash rewards.
Mehta remarked that the players had enhanced the nation’s prestige by winning medals and said the Council would soon hold discussions with the federation regarding athlete facilities.
Earlier on Sunday, the team was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by MP Shrestha, Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation senior vice-president Bijaylal Kayastha, along with officials, athletes, coaches, and relatives. From the airport, the team was taken on a city parade before arriving at NSC.
In the championship held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 30 June to 4 July, Nepal won three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.
Binu GT claimed gold in Women’s Swimsuit and silver in Model Physique. Sagendra Singh won gold in Men’s 80 kg, while Akash Shrestha secured gold in Men’s Sports Physique under 170 cm.
Sita Khatri won silver in Women’s Athletic Physique, and Nepal also took silver in the Women’s Team Championship. Pukar Shakya earned bronze in Men’s Sports Physique over 170 cm.
Meanwhile, Sagar Shrestha (Men’s 85 kg) and Deepjang Roka Magar (Men’s 75 kg) finished fifth. The delegation included Federation Secretary Dinesh Kumar Rajbhandari as official and Johnson Jonchen as judge.
The Rising Nepal
