Pokhara Marathon-2002
Giri claims top spot

By Our Correspondent

Pokhara, Feb. 16: Khimu Giri of the Royal Nepalese Army hogged the limelight in the Pokhara Marathon-2002, as he claimed the title here today.

In the event participated by 1505 runners, the Tribhuwan Club of the army claimed five top spots. Giri outpaced the rivals with a time of 2 hour 26.24 minute to claim the title. Along with three foreigners only 95 runners were able to complete the run.

Rewat Bahadur Dahal, and Yam Bahadur Pudasaini of the army claimed the second and third positions in the event with the slogan 'Run for Fun'.

After the victory, Giri said that he had found it easier to run in Pokhara than Kathmandu as Pokhara had a good track to run on.

Giri, who gained success at his ninth try, looked happy because the victory has enabled him to participate in the coming Belgium marathon. Member Secretary of National Sports Council Binod Shankar Palikhe said that NSC will bear all the cost for Giri’s Belgium participation.

The event was organized jointly by the NSC, Nepal Trourism Board, and Surya Tobacco was also assisted by Pokhara’s 14 different associations.

Chief Guest Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyay distributed cup, certificates and other prizes. At the function, Palikhe, Pokhara Sub-Municipal Mayor Krishna Thapa and other distributed certificates to the participants.

The top ten positions:

1) Khimu Giri 2:26.24 2) Rewat Thapa 2;29.11 3) Padam Bahadur Pudasaini 2:34.42 4) Nar Bahadur Khatri 2;39.23 5) Anand Ram Shrestha2:43.19 6) Jeet Raj Lamichhane 2:46.32 7) Surendra Maharjan 2:48.17 8) Jagganath Bista 2:49.18 9) Narayan Deshar 2:49.18 10) Purna Bahadur Devkota 2:51.45

Today’s ( Sunday) fixtures:

NRT Vs. Sikkim 12:30

MMC Vs. ANFA Academy 2:30

Kathmandu club enter quarterfinal

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb 16: Krishna Malakar struck the golden goal to lift Kathmandu Club in the quarterfinal of the King’s Cup Soccer Tournament at the Dashrath Stadium.

After playing 2-2 draw in the full time, the match entered into the golden goal period where Kathmandu’s midfielder struck the winning goal in the ninth minute.

Earlier, Three Stars Deependra Poudel opened the account in the 6th minute. Raj Kumar Ghising equalized in the 23rd minute for Kathmandu Club. After playing 1-1 draw in the first half, Three Stars Umesh Lama put ahead the team in the 66th minute but again Krishna Malakar pulled another equalizer for the team in the 74th minute.

Narayan Manandhar of Kathmandu Club and Three Stars Bishwa Pokhrel were booked in the match. The NRT will face Sikkim in tomorrow’s quarterfinal game while the Manang Marshyangdi Club will take on the ANFA Academy.

Malpi Int'l School celebrates 3rd anniversary

By A Staff Reporter

Malpi, Panauti, Feb. 16: The Malpi International School organized its inter-school sports competition to celebrate the school’s third anniversary.

At today’s sports competition, Janakpur House took the honour of the best team in the march past while Khumbu House lifted the Big Cup as it emerged the overall leader in the athletics.

The Mustang House gained the second position while Lumbini and Janakpur came out joint third in the annual sports day of one of the leading English medium schools.

Addressing the function as the chief guest, Father Eugene Watrin asked the students as well as the promoters of the school to work hard to make their mission successful.

Watrin, who has had significant contribution to the education and sports sectors of Nepal, also said that he was extremely happy that his former students like Deepak M. Sherchan have opened a very good school.

"I recall the interesting bygone days when Deepak was my student. It is my happiness that he now has opened such a beautiful school," he said.

Welcoming the participants, Gomathy Venkateshwar, the Principal of the school, said that students have a good atmosphere as the school is situated in a naturally blessed area where they can play with birds’.

Extending his vote of thanks, Deep Bikram Rana of the school commended the role of Father Watrin in the development of Nepal’s sports and education fields.

Situated at Malpi of Panauti Municipality, the school has now 186 students from class one to seven. Deepak M. Sherchan, Chairman of the school, says that its major objective is to control the students’ exodus to India by providing them quality education in Nepal.

He also says that the school has offered four scholarships to the local students at Siddartha Vanasthali and salaries of two teachers teaching at neighbouring schools.

Chief Guest Watrin distributed cups, shields and certificates to the students winning different games that include athletics, karate and other events. The parents, teachers and administrative staffs also took part in the different games.