KATHMANDU, Aug 16: The Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) on Sunday unveiled five nominees for the People’s Choice Award under the 23rd NSJF Pulsar Sports Award. The umbrella body of Nepal’s sports journalists made the announcement at a press conference held in Kathmandu.
Issuing a statement, NSJF said it has been organizing the annual sports award since 1996 and this year’s event will be held on September 3 at Nepal Police Club. This year’s nominees are volleyball player Meena Sunar, footballer Puja Rana, karateka Sanumaya Thing, cricketer Sher Malla, and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rabindra Dhant.
A five-member player selection committee finalized the nominations, according to the organisers. The committee included NSJF Secretary Anil Malla Thakuri, AIPS Asia Treasurer Niranjan Rajbanshi, Gorkhapatra sports journalist Prajit Shakya, Kantipur sports journalist Himesh Ratna Bajracharya, and cricket commentator Birat Jung Rayamajhi.
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Meena has emerged as a promising volleyball spiker, impressing in the CAVA Women’s Championship and contributing to Nepal Police Club’s third-place finish in the CAVA Women’s Club Championship.
Puja has represented Nepal internationally, including in the Asian Cup qualifiers, and has also played in professional leagues abroad.
Sanumaya has competed in major international karate events, including the World Karate Championship in Egypt and the 21st Asian Karate Championship. She previously won gold in team kata and silver in individual kata at the South Asian Karate Championship.
Sher made an immediate impact in cricket by taking a wicket with his first delivery on his T20 World Cup debut, highlighting his potential on the global stage.
Rabindra Dhant, known as the “Tiger of Bajhang,” became the first Nepali fighter to reach the semifinals of Road to UFC, raising expectations for Nepali MMA internationally.
Sanumaya expressed her happiness at being nominated, thanking the karate fraternity, her coach Mandekaji Shrestha, and supporters. She said the nomination had given her new energy in her career.
Meena described her nomination as a matter of pride. Puja, Rabindra, and Sher were not present at the press conference as they are currently abroad.
