Dangol from Central Region defeated Manoj Khadka of the same region in the final of the tournament at the Dasharath Stadium. The tournament was organized by Nepal International Taekwondo Federation (NITF). [break]
Dangol, the 19-year-old from Lubhu-6, Lalitpur, won the competitive final 7-6. Dangol, who got byes in the first round, defeated Radha Bahadur Tamang in the quarterfinal and Rajendra Dhimal in the semifinal.
Khadka, who also had byes in the first round, defeated Niroj Rana Magar in the quarterfinal and Jhalak Budha Magar in the semifinal. Khadka put up a good fight but could not overcome Dangol in the competition of 54-60 kg weight category.
During the Central Region qualifying events for the tournament, Dangol had abandoned the final bout against Khadka as he was injured. However, he was able to knock down the same opponent a month later.
"I was unable to have a good training as I had injured my legs during the qualification tournament. However, I overcame it in the final today," said Dangol, who was accompanied by his friends and family at the Dasharath Stadium Covered Hall. He also remembered his guru Krishna Gopal Rajthala of Maha Laxmi Do.
"From early childhood, I knew father wanted to see me as a good athlete and I´m happy to prove it in front of him," said Dangol, who bagged 500 dollars.
Runner-up Khadka received 300 dollars while Rajendra Dhimal won the third place-playoff to bag 200 dollars. In addition, singer Yogeshwar Amatya awarded Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively to the top three from his personal account.
National Sports Council Vice-president Pitambar Timalsina handed over the prizes of the tournament.
"The first pro tournament ended successfully and we have been encouraged. We are planning a bigger pro tournament in 2011," said NITF President Krishna Bahadur Balal. The tournament was inaugurated by Home Minister Bhim Rawal.
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