KATHMANDU, Jan 19: In a bid to strengthen the civil-military ties, Nepal Army (NA) has decided to give continuity to sporting events in the coming days. The NA has also announced free entry for the public to watch volleyball matches during the upcoming CoAS Second Men's National Volleyball Tournament. 

Organizing a press conference at its headquarters on Thursday, the NA informed that the volleyball tournament will be held from January 22 to 27 while another sporting event, CoAS Open Marathon 2073, will be held on February 11. Both the events are scheduled to be held in the capital.

According to Lt Col Ram Kaji Rana Magar, the main aim of organizing the sports event was to strengthen the civil-military ties and to contribute in the development of sports in the country.

Lt Col Rana Magar further informed that the volleyball tournament, which will feature eight teams, is being jointly organized by the NA and Nepal Investment Bank Limited. The tournament to be held at the Army Physical Fitness and Training Center, Lagankhel, will feature five regional teams besides three departmental teams - Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club and Armed Police Force. Nepal Volleyball Association will look after technical aspect of the tournament. 

The event will be played in the league-cum-knockout format after dividing the teams into two groups. Top two teams from each group will book places in the semifinals. The top three finishers will be rewarded with Rs 300,000 Rs 150,000 and Rs 75,000 respectively along with trophies. The best player will be awarded with a motorbike sponsored by Hansaraj and Hulaschand Co Pvt Ltd. Similarly, the best players in various four positions - spiker, blocker, defender and lifter - and the best coach will be given Rs 10,000.

Organizer will also provide food, lodging and transportation allowances to all of the visiting teams. The expected cost of the tournament is Rs 2.2 million out of which Nepal Investment Bank has given Rs 1.5 million. Meanwhile, the entry is free of cost and and NA has appealed spectators to join and enjoy the game.

Speaking about the marathon, Lt Col Rana Magar informed that five events - men's marathon, men's and women's half marathon, 10 km race for foreigners and Army officials, five km race for school boys and girls, and five km open walkathon - will be held on February 11. 

The event which is expected to cost around Rs 2.8 million is being jointly organized by Nepal Army and Morang Auto Works.  The organizers are expecting participation of about 250 athletes in the marathon, 1000 in half marathon (men's and women's), 400 in 10 km race, 1200 in five km race for school boys and girls and 500 in open walkathon.

The winner of the marathon will get richer by Rs 100,000 besides receiving a Yamaha motorbike. Gopi Chandra Parki of APF is the defending champion. Similarly, second to sixth place finishers will also have their share in cash prize with the runner-up getting Rs 50,000 and second runner-up Rs 25,000.

The top three finishers of half marathon in both men's and women's sections will walk home with purse of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and 10,000 respectively. The women's winner will also get a scooter. 

The winners of 10 km race and walkathon will be given gift hampers and certificates while the school event winner will take home Rs 7,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.    
  

 
• nepal army
 
• sporting events
 
• civil-military ties