Deepak Bista forays into business

KATHMANDU, May 3: After ruling Nepali taekwondo for more than a decade, Deepak Bista has now forayed into business. Bista, who won four consecutive golds in the South Asian Games (SAG), has opened Sports Universe, a sports goods showroom, at New Baneshwar.



According to Bista, the showroom will be inaugurated on Monday. "All types of sports kits will be available in the showroom at reasonable price," said Bista during a press conference on Friday.[break]



"Involvement in sports alone will not be sufficient and one should also start a business to lead a comfortable life in Kathmandu," said Bista.



"I am in talks with Nepal Taekwondo Association regarding my retirement and will formally end my career as a player by the end of the year," said the 34-year-old Bista. He, however, ruled out the possibility of leaving taekwondo. "My role will only change from player to coach and I will not leave the sports sector."



Bista is one of four partners with equal shares in Sports Universe. He credited Atmaram Shrestha, one of the partners, with inspiring him to enter into business.

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