Int’l kick boxing tourney to kick off

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KATHMANDU, May 2 - World United Marshal Arts Federation, Nepal is organizing the 1st International invitational semi-contact martial arts and full contact kick boxing tournament starting May 5 at Chabahil, says a press release issued here today.

For the preparation of the tournament, more than 200 players - both male and female are being observed in close-session training, who will represent Nepal. Players from Bhutan, England, India, Iran, Italy and Sri-Lanka are expected to take part in the championship.

The contests will be held for a total of 32 gold medals in the competition. In martial arts segment of men’s category, players from 20 kg to 65 kg will be participating along with open category for 65 kg and above.

Similarly, in women’s category, there will be challenges ranging from 20 to 55 kg. For kick boxing, 6 titles which consist of the weight categories from 45 to 65 kg and a category for 65 kg and above are included.

NAAA General Sec manhandles chief coach

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KATHMANDU, May 2 – Rabi Rajkarnikar, General Secretary of Nepal Amateur Athletics Association (NAAA) today manhandled Narayan Yadav, chief coach of athletics in National Sports Council (NSC) during a Sports Council meeting.

Talking to the press after the incident, Yadhav told the reporters that Rajkarnikar stormed into the NSC Deputy Director’s room where he was in a meeting with the Deputy Director Keshav Gautam and others about the preparation of the fifth National Games. "He held me by the scruff, and abused me," said Yadhav.

Deputy Director Gautam also told the reporters that Rajkarnikar attacked Yadav and abused him. He also said that Rajkarnikar continued the assault despite Gautam attempt to calm him down.

It is believed that the reason behind Yadav’s manhandling was the statement that he had given to a local daily in its today’s edition. Yadav, in the news report, has made remarks, which implied Rajkarnikar’s involvement in the irregularities surrounding sixth Asian Cross Country Race.

National Sports Council has already sought NAAA’s clarification regarding the alleged irregularities. Athletes participating in the race had complained that they did not get their allowances and sporting gears.

After the incident, the chief coaches of various sports demanded an action against Rajkarnikar and threatened to suspend their daily training unless Rajkarnikar was taken into book. They even threatened to resign en-mass if necessary.

Binod Shankar Palikhe, member secretary of National Sports Council promised to take action against Rajkarnikar after the incident.

Despite the promise of the member secretary, there are some who don’t seem to be convinced. Marathon ace Baikuntha Manandhar, expressed his doubts over NSC taking any action against the assailant. He also said that the council did not show any concern when a similar incident took place prior to the 8th SAF Games.

Rajkarnikar is said to have beaten another athletics official before the eighth SAF Games. According to the other athletics officials, nothing was done despite complaints lodged against him. The compliant was filed to Rukma Shamsher Rana, president of NAAA and president of Nepal Olympic Committee. They also said incidents such as these (involving Ravi Rajkarnikar) have happened more than half a dozen times already.