The U-19 title was the maiden title of the region in women’s cricket. She scored 81 runs and took six wickets in the five matches she played in the tournament. Budhathoki, 16, had started practicing some five years ago when she joined Milan Cricket Club in Kakadvitta. “I’m happy to have won an award but I’m happier to have been able to contribute towards my team’s victory,” said Budhathoki, who dreams of playing for national team in the future. “As any other cricketer, I also have dreams of playing for the national team,” she added.[break]
Tika Ram Thapa was an unheralded athlete until he went to participate in the 2013 Chizou ITU Premium Asian Cup Triathlon in China last week but he was already a national hero when he returned home this week. He clinched gold for Nepal in the tournament. As newly formed Nepal Triathlon Association (NTA) gave priority on organizing domestic tournaments and international participation, the 28-year old army personnel Thapa got his opportunity. Thapa completed the sprint distance (750m swim + 20 km bike + 5 km run) with a timing of 1 hour 12 min 15.54 sec in the 20-29 years age group to win the gold medal. With his victory, he also qualified for the CTSA level certificate of China Triathlon Association.
Thapa, who hails from Rajkot, Dailekh, had joined Nepal Army eight years ago and started his sports career as a swimmer. Thapa started triathlon two years ago and after winning the Asian gold medal, he is grateful to Nepal Army and NTA. “I’m happy that I won the gold medal for the country and I’ll give full credit to the Nepal Army behind my success. I’m also thankful to NTA for providing chances to us athletes,” said Thapa. He is preparing for the upcoming World Championship now and Nepal can expect its new hero to shine more in coming days.
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