Nepal´s women team lifted the title for the third time in a row. [break]
The CAN awarded Rs 20,000 each to all the 14 players, the coach and two managers amidst a function in the capital. Minister for Youth and Sports Kamala Roka, secretary at the ministry Sushil Ghimire and National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama handed over the prizes to the team members.
Meanwhile, Wai-Wai, the instant noodles brand owned by Chaudhary Group and the sponsor of the team, awarded Rs 51,000 to the winning team in the same function. CG Foods General Manager Sajjan Devkota handed over the check to the team Captain Rubina Chhetri and Manager Keshav Ghimire.
Speaking at the function, Minister Roka said that the government would continue the tradition of rewarding cricketers this time also. Though Roka didn´t disclose the cash amount, she confirmed that it would not be less than previous occasion.
Nepal Government had rewarded a cash prize of Rs 100,000 to each member of the U-19 women´s team, which had won the ACC U-19 Women´s Championship in 2010. "We´ll not break from the tradition of rewarding players," said Minister Roka.
Minister Roka said other sports association should also think about encouraging women´s in their respective segment.
NSC Member Secretary Lama said that the result of ACC U-19 Women´s Championship has once again established the scope of cricket in the country. He urged CAN and other sports associations to encourage women for not just playing but also for taking official responsibilities.
The CAN President Tanka Aangbuhang said that the hat-trick title victory by the girls was an appropriate answer to the patriarchal society of Nepal. Aangbuhang called for the government to reward Rs 200,000 to each member of the winning team and handed over a request letter to Minister Roka and NSC Member Secretary Lama.
Representative of sponsor CG Foods, Lalbabu Prasad, applauded the U-19 women´s team and gave his best wishes to maintain the winning streak in future.
Speaking on the function, team captain Rubina Chhetri said that her team was under pressure as they had to defend the title. "We had only three experienced players and we were there to defend the title. We were under pressure but were able to overcome it as our coach Nabin Singh used to come up with good and perfect strategies," said Chhetri.
Players ask for scholarship
At the end of the function, player Sonu Khadka, speaking on behalf of all her teammates asked sports authorities and the CAN officials to provide them scholarships to pursue school and higher education.
"We have to take leave from our schools to participate in cricket tournaments but our parents want us to concentrate on studies. Not all of us are from well-to-do families," said Khadka. "If you can arrange scholarships for us at sports-friendly schools and colleges it will at least console our parents," she added.
Replying to Khadka, CAN General Secretary Ashok Nath Pyakuryal said that players raised the issue in a proper forum, where all the concerned sports authorities were present. "From our (the CAN) side, we´ll try to address your request," said Pyakuryal.
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