Nepali sports fans gear up as the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) unveils the final contenders for the coveted 20th NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards. Shortlists for the most anticipated categories – Best Male Player, Best Female Player, Best Young Player, and Best Coach – were announced on Friday, generating excitement amongst enthusiasts.

The grand ceremony, scheduled for Magh 28th at Hotel Yak & Yeti, promises to celebrate the nation’s athletic prowess with a strong presence from athletics and cricket.

Deepak Adhikari(athletics), Rohit Kumar Paudel (cricket), and Asif Shaikh (cricket) vie for the prestigious Best Male Player title. Athletics shines again with Rajpura Pachai (athletics), while Anusha Malla (basketball) and Pushpa Bhandari (athletics) compete for Best Female Player.

Youngsters Dev Khanal (cricket), Sushma Tamang (boxing), and Rammaya Budha (athletics) battle for the Best Young Player award, while seasoned Coach Chandra Gurung (athletics), Deepak Maharjan (boxing), and Jagat Tamata (cricket) vie for Best Coach.

The announcement follows an innovative selection process. The top eight nominees were revealed earlier, followed by the final three in each category.

Five talented athletes, Biplablal Shrestha (karate), Anant Tamang (football), Niruta Thagunna (volleyball), Sikka Suwal Shrestha (table tennis), and Rajni Shrestha (fitness/bodybuilding), are already in the running for the People’s Choice Award, one of nine total categories.

Prestigious honours like the Lifetime Achievement Award, Para Athlete Special Award, and Asian Journalist Award will be revealed during the ceremony.

Winners in the five main categories and the People’s Choice will receive a coveted Pulsar motorbike, while awardees in other categories will be recognized with a cash prize of 50,000 rupees.

Hazara Hulaschand & Company leads the event as the Main sponsor, joined by an impressive list of co-sponsors and partners, including E-Sewa, Kelme, Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd, Hotel Yak & Yeti, United Azod Insurance, Lalpurja Nepal, Subisu, Royal Singhi Hotel, Plaza Hotel Group, ISS, E-Drive Nepal, National Sports Council (Rakhepa), and Nepal Olympic Committee.