Kathmandu witnessed a night of athletic dominance as the 20th NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards unfolded, with stars from the field and track stealing the spotlight. In a display of unparalleled grit and resilience, Deepak Adhikari, Rajpura Pachai, and Chandra Gurung etched their names into history, claiming the coveted titles of Best Male Player, Best Female Player, and Best Coach, respectively.

Their triumphs resonated with victories at the 16th Asian Cross Country Competition in Kathmandu. Adhikari, an embodiment of unwavering spirit, bagged two gold medals – one in the men’s 10 km individual event and another in the team competition. Pachai mirrored his success, mirroring his spirit with two silver medals in the women’s 10 km race and team event. Coach Gurung, the mastermind behind the scenes, masterfully orchestrated the Nepalese contingent’s stellar performance, leading them to two gold, two silver, and one bronze.

The evening wasn’t limited to veterans. Rising cricket star Dev Khanal, captain of the U-19 national team, bagged the Best Young Player award, while table tennis prodigy Sikka Suwal won hearts and votes to claim the prestigious People’s Choice award. They and the other winners received the coveted Pulsar Motorcycle as an Award, symbolizing their dedication and excellence.

Beyond the track and field, the ceremony recognized achievements across nine diverse categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to weightlifting legend Rajendra Kumar Pradhan, while sports activist Sudarshan Ranjit received the Special Award. Para Olympian Maiya Bisunkhe was honoured with the Para Athlete Award, and Raymond Chu was recognized with the Asian Sports Journalist Award. Each awardee received a well-deserved commendation of Rs 50,000.

The 20th NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards wasn’t just a celebration of individual victories but a testament to Nepali sports’ collective spirit. From the indomitable athletes to the visionary coaches and dedicated journalists, the evening illuminated the dedication that fuels sporting excellence in the nation. And as the curtains closed, one thing was sure: the future of Nepali sports burns bright, propelled by the champions recognized today.