National Heros receive grand welcome; President congratulates players

Kathmandu, Feb 17: The Nepali team that clinched a gold medal in the South Asian Games (SAG) football tournament after a long gap of 23 years was warmly received at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday.

The office-bearers of All Nepal Football Association, senior Nepal Police officials, humour artists, singers and sports lovers, among others, had welcomed the men’s football team of Nepal that won gold medal in the 12th SAG held in India.

The victorious team that landed at Kakadbhitta from Guwahati of India by bus had arrived Kathmandu through Bhadrapur Airport this afternoon.

Team Nepal had outshined India 2-1 in the final match on February 15 to cruise to victory after a long gap of 23 years.

Strikers Prakash Budhathoki and Nawayug Shrestha netted one goal each while winning gold medal in the men’s football.

The winner team was taken around the town in Nepal Army’s vehicles upon their arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport.

The squad was taken to the Tripureswor-based Dasharath Stadium via the route of Airport, Gaushala, Gyaneswor, Kamalapokhari, Putalisadak, Exhibition Road, Bhadrakali, New Road Gate, Bir Hospital, Bhitahiti, Jamal, Kesharmahal, Narayanhiti, Old Bus Park, Bhadrakali, Martyr’s gate and Sundhara.

The government has decided to aware NPR 500,000 each to the winning Nepali football team members. The Minister for Sports announced the decision to award the players for their contribution in sports field.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has congratulated Nepali football team which brought home the gold medal from the South Asian Games held in Guwahati, India. The male Nepali football players clinched the victory by defeating India 2-1.

President Bhandari has expressed happiness over the Nepali team’s performance, saying the victory has spread jubilation ending longtime despair. “It has indicated that Nepal’s future on sports is secure,” said a press release issued by the Spokesperson at the Office of the President, Khadanand Dhakal.

The President has congratulated Nepali team captain, Nawyug Shrestha who did double hat-trick, Prakash Budhathoki who made the golden goal, coach and all other players.

Similarly, the gold medal has made all Nepalis proud, the President said, congratulating wushu player Nima Gharti Magar and judo player Phupu Lhomu Khatri and other medal winner players. She also wished their successful career in sports. RSS