Govt approves Rs 2.5m reward for Bista, Manandhar

KATHMANDU, DEC 12 -
Legendary marathon runner Baikuntha Manandhar and taekwondo ace Deepak Bista are all set to receive Rs 2.5 million reward each for their standout medal haul at the South Asian Games.

The cabinet meeting on Wednesday endorsed the recommendation made by the National Sports Council (NSC) in March last year to felicitate players who have won three or more gold medals at the South Asian Games (SAG), two medals in Asian Games including a

gold or Olympic medal with a cash of Rs 2.5 million for housing purpose.

Both the athletes welcomed the decision saying it will attract more youngsters into sports. “I am very happy to hear the news even though the government took two years to approve the recommendation but like they say better late than never,” was Bista’s response to the decision.

Bista is the only player to win four consecutive gold medals in the SA Games. Bista, only the second Nepali player after fellow taekwondo star Sangina Baidhya to qualify for the Olympics, won his first SA Games gold during the eighth edition held on home soil in 1999. He then added three more gold

medals in Karachi (2002), Colombo (2006) and Dhaka (2010).  “This is a good incentive for players and will help encourage the young generation,” added Bista.

Manandhar has won three SA Games gold medals including the meet record of 2:15:03 set during the third edition in Kolkata in 1987. “I hung up my boots a long time ago and was not expecting a reward as big as this. Cash rewards at my age are always welcome,” said Manandhar.  “This will encourage players to go the extra mile for the gold medal as they know there are rewards awaiting them.”

NSC issued a press release expressing their gratitude to the government for the decision. Meanwhile, Nepal National and International Players Association (NNIPA) has welcomed the cabinet decision. “We thank the government for making such a good decision. I am sure rewards like this will boost the morale of the players,” said the General Secretary of NNIPA Deepak Shrestha.

Labels: Highlight, Sports