Organizing a press meet in the capital on Thursday, NNIPA said that it will be honoring 19 best performing players from 19 different sports based on their performance at the international and national level events.
Nevertheless, cricketers, who have been giving outstanding performance than any other sports, will not be honored in NNIPA's award ceremony.NNIPA president Deepak Bista clarified that association's submitting the names of their respective high performing players were only eligible for being honored.
"It is due to the inefficiency of the associations that notable players form different sports could not be honored for their achievement and performance. We had written official letters to every association to submit the name of their best players. And it's sad that only 19 sports associations submitted the names. Nepal Cricket Association did not," said Deepak.
Unlike yesteryears where NNIPA's award used to be organized at the United World Trade Center, this year's function will be different as theater artistes from Mandala will be performing a play depicting life and struggle of players.
"The theme of the play will be struggle and hardship of Nepali players and also the fame associated with it. Despite representing the country in different international events, Nepali players struggle to lead a decent life," said Deepak.
The function will also honor one retired renowned player with an award of 'inspiring sports personality' and another person with special award for his/her contribution in the development of sports.
The award, which used to honor players with trophy and gift hampers until previous edition, has introduced cash award from this year. Award winner will be felicitated with Rs 10,000 in this edition.
NNIPA has also collaborated with Child Reach Nepal (CRN), a NGO working in health, sports and education sector in rural area of Nepal.
Among 19 award winners, CRN will select one male and female player as its brand ambassador for a year time. The brand ambassador will not only give sports lesson to the children from rural areas but also will help in education and health sectors.
Related story
NNIPA fetes Rokaya with Sports Personality Award
