Kathmandu witnessed a dazzling moment of sporting glory as the 18th NNIPA Sports Awards unfolded at the majestic Yala: Darbar Venue in Shankhamul. Deepak Adhikari (athletics) and Sushma Tamang (boxing) reigned supreme, crowned the Best Male and Female Sportspersons of the Year, respectively. Each champion took home a hefty cash prize of one lakh rupees, a testament to their exceptional achievements, amidst thunderous applause.

The ceremony didn’t just celebrate established stars. It also recognized the future of Nepali sports, with Rohit Kumar Poudel (men’s cricket)and Duwana Lama (women’s swimming) lauded as the Most Promising Players. These rising talents received a cash reward of Rs. 50,000 each, a testament to their burgeoning potential.

Durgaman Tamang, showcasing unwavering spirit in weightlifting, was conferred with the Para Athlete Award. Dharmaman Bajracharya and Ajay Phuyal, Editor-in-Chief of kheladi.com, were also honoured – Bajracharya received the prestigious Gajraj Ardash Sports Personality Award, and Phuyal took home the coveted Sports Journalism Award. Each recipient received a cash prize recognizing their dedication – Rs. 15,000, Rs. 35,000, and Rs. 35,000, respectively.

The evening further highlighted exceptional performers from the ninth National Games across an impressive 36 disciplines. Winners in each category, dubbed the Best Players of the Year, were given a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 to acknowledge their stellar achievements.

From archery and athletics to badminton and basketball, Nepal’s diverse sporting landscape was proudly represented amongst the Best Players of the Year 2079. Notable names like Best Player of the Year 2079:

(Archery) Parsada Acharya,(Athletics) Deepak Adhikari,(Badminton) Prince Dahal,(Basketball) Anusha Malla,(Boxing) Sushma Tamang,(Bodybuilding) Ashimbavu Gurung,(Chess) Rupesh Jaiswal,(Cricket) Rohit Kumar Paudel,(Cycling), Suraj Rana magar,(Fencing) Sikchya Napit,(Football) Kiran Kumar Limbu,(Full Contact Karate) Sandesh Manandhar,(Golf) Subash Tamang,(Gymnastics) Raju Rai,(Handball) Shantikala Rai,(Hockey) Mahesh Dhaani,(ITF Taekwondo) Rubika Khadka,(Judo) Devakimaya Shrestha,(Kabaddi) Anuja Kulung rai,(Karate) Bijay Shrestha,(Kho Kho) Saraswati Kathayat,(Lawn Tennis) Saloni Tamang,(Paragliding) Rita Shrestha Thapa,(Rugby) Niroj Karki,(Sepak takraw) Usha Maharjan,(Squash) Amrit Thapamagar,(Shooting) Sujan Ranamgar,(Soft Tennis) Yukesh Yonjan,(Swimming) Duana lama,(Table tennis) Santo Shrestha,(Taekwondo) Kajal Shrestha,(Triathlon) Shrebi Maharjan,(Volleyball) Ravin Chand,(Weightlifting) Junmaya Chyantal,(Wushu)Saman Gursi and (Wrestling) Suresh Chunara were celebrated for their remarkable contributions. Their triumphs not only solidified Nepal’s rich sporting legacy but also inspired a reminder of the nation’s unwavering athletic spirit, which resonates with every Nepali sports enthusiast.