KATHMANDU, Sept 6: The excitement is palpable in the air as the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) officially announced the nominations for the Pulsar Sports Awards 2024, celebrating the tremendous talents of Nepali athletes. These awards honor those who have made outstanding contributions to sports in Nepal over the past year, with Cricket and Karate taking center stage with four nominations each.
Held at a vibrant press conference in Kathmandu on Saturday, the NSJF unveiled a slate of nominees across four prominent categories: Best Male Player, Best Female Player, Youth Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year. The event showcased a diverse array of talent and hard work from various sports disciplines, reflecting the growing dedication and achievements within Nepalese sports.
The selection process featured a five-member committee chaired by NSJF Secretary Anil Malla Thakuri, who praised the athletes’ performances throughout the year 2024. The committee included notable figures such as AIPS Asia Treasurer Niranjan Rajbanshi, Prajit Shakya, Himesh Ratna Bajracharya, and Virat Rayamajhi, all with years of experience and insight into the sports landscape of Nepal.
From the world of Cricket, the nominees are brimming with talent. National team stars Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel are both up for the coveted Best Male Player award. In the Youth category, the spotlight shines on U19 women’s captain Puja Mahato, while U19 coach Mahesh Rijal competes for the Coach of the Year title. Their achievements exemplify the rising standard and competition within Nepali cricket.
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Karate is also making a remarkable impact, contributing to four nominations. Asian Games silver medallist Arika Gurung and Alisha Raskoti Magar are competing for the Best Female award, showcasing the prowess and grace of female athletes in the sport. Additionally, Anjali Maharjan has been nominated for the Youth Player award, with coach Kushal Shrestha representing the coaching category. These nominations underline the growing recognition of Karate as a sport in Nepal and the potential it holds for future international success.
Other sports are well represented in this year’s nominations. Kho Kho has secured three nominations, with Janak Chand nominated for Best Male, Manmati Dhami for Best Female, and Lakshmi Narayan Baidhya for Coach of the Year. Boxing brings two representatives to the fore, with Swostika Tiruwa in the Youth category and Deepak Maharjan in the coaching category. Football is also featured prominently with Rekha Paudel receiving a nomination for Best Female and Samir Tamang recognized as a noteworthy Youth candidate.
In the Best Male category, Shantoo Shrestha (Table Tennis) and Bijaya Sinjali (Wushu) have joined the nominees, highlighting the breadth of talent across various disciplines. Salina Shrestha, the national women’s volleyball libero, is nominated for Best Female, showcasing the growing strength of women in sports. Meanwhile, Ajay BK (Athletics) represents the Youth category, and Coach Kabiraj Negi Lama from the Para-Taekwondo community rounds out the nominees for Coach of the Year.
The selection committee faced a challenging task, as this year has witnessed historic achievements and remarkable performances by Nepali athletes, fostering a renewed sense of pride in the country’s sporting capabilities. NSJF committee member Shakya expressed that these awards mark a long-awaited celebration of hard work and dedication in Nepali sports. Furthermore, AIPS President Gianni Merlo is expected to attend the awards ceremony, enhancing the event’s significance and prestige.
The anticipation builds as the winners are set to be announced on September 14 in Pokhara, where each honoree will receive a Pulsar motorbike, a tangible symbol of recognition for their achievements. This event not only recognizes individual talent but also aims to inspire future generations of athletes in Nepal to strive for excellence in sports.