Nepal convince in 9 wkt victory over Bahrain

By a Post Reporter

KATHMANDU, July 17- An outstanding bowling performance from Nepalese bowlers ensured Nepal a convincing nine wickets victory over Bahrain in the ongoing Under-17 Asia Cup Cricket Championship being played in Bugti Stadium, Quetta, Pakistan today.

Basanta Regmi spelled his magic with the ball returning with match winning figures of 5-1-6-5. The performance also earned him the man of the match. Manjit Shrestha was the other successful bowler for Nepal who picked up two wickets.

Nepal’s decision to send Bahrain into to bat first paid rich dividents as Baharain could only muster 42 runs in front of some tight and hostile bowling from the Nepalese colts. When the total reached 15 Bahrain had lost four wickets. This was followed by a partnership of 17 runs, the highest for the inning, that saw them reach 32. Then there was another flurry of wickets that saw them getting bundled out for a paltry 42 runs. Bahrain’s Rizwan Abdul Ghani was the topscorer making 15 runs. Nepal also conceded 10 extras.

Nepal quickly notched up the required runs losing just one wicket in 10.1 overs. Monik Shrestha and Prem Chaudhary remained unbeaten on 15 each while the only Nepali batsman to get out was Prakash Sharma. He made 6 runs before falling victim to Ananda Mahendra.

Nepal next plays against formidable Bangladeshi side on July 19.

It may be recalled that Nepal lost its opening tie against Kuwait by seven wickets.

Karate tourney to kick off

KATHMANDU, July 17 (PR) - The 8th All Nepal Open Full Contact Karate Touranment and First Ladies Weight Category Full Contact Karate Tournament will kick off from Tuesday at the Covered Hall, Dashrath Stadium.

The two day long tournament will see karatekas from 36 sub-dojos of the country. In the men’s catagory, the players coming first will recieve a cash award of 20,000 rupees while second and third placed karatekas will recieve 10,000 and 5,000 rupees respectively.

In the women catagory, the first prize will carry a purse of 5000 rupees while the second and third place prizes are Rs 2500 and Rs 1250 respectively.

The championship will also feature dance sequences from the troupe of SB Dance Academy while comedian Sabin Shakya will perform comic. A sub-committee comprising of Kaji Man Shrestha, Raju Tuladhar, Prem Nath Shrestha, Raman Singh Lama and Rajendra Subedi has been formed for the successful hosting of the tournament.

Nepal included in S Asian golf championship

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 17 (AP) - Sri Lanka, which is known for three of the finest 18 hole golf courses in Asia, has decided to approach neighbouring countries to start a South Asian championship.

"There is no reason why can’t have a championship among our immediate neighbors," Tony Witham, who runs a 6,190 meter (20,427-feet) par 73 Victoria Golf Course in hills, said on Sunday.

Witham said the Sri Lanka’s golfing clubs were contacting their counterparts in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to start the championship.

The popularity of golf diminished after the British left the then Ceylon in 1948. But the game is more than 100 years old in the island nation.

The Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, which was started in 1891, is one of the oldest national championships in the world.

"We can make a humble beginning by starting the tournament among our neighbors and if it clicks we can expand it," Witham told reporters.

The Sri Lankan golf courses are on different terrains and offer different climate conditions. "This contributes to the enjoyment and challenge as you could be playing golf in three different countries," Witham said.