The two young players-Sarita Shrestha and Namuna Pokhrel-have been training under Olympian Sangina Baidya for the past 10 days. This is the first time Nepal will participate in the Junior Championship. [break]
Baidya said players were unable to train for a longer period due to the final school examinations. “The players are good despite the short training period and they can do better in the Championships.”
Baidya added the players have been training with their local coaches in their native place. Sarita hails from Butwal while Pokharel lives in Jhapa. Association members and coach Baidya said this would be a good exposure for the players. “Junior players are the backbone for the nation and from this championship they will gain knowledge and exposure.
Shrestha, 16, participating in the 42-44 kg weight category, expressed her happiness. “I used to participate in local tournaments and this is a big tournament for me and hope to perform well in the championship,” said Shrestha. “I am pleased to be training under Baidya and will perform as instructed in the championship.”
Pokhrel, 15, participating in 44-46 kg, said she was grateful to the association for choosing her to participate in the championship. “This is a good opportunity for the junior players like us as it gives exposure and will help improve performance in the future,” said Pokhrel.
The selection of these two players was completed a month ago at Satdobato.
At a farewell program at National Sports Council on Sunday, Member Secretary Yuvraj Lama thanked the association as they focused on the junior players. General Secretary of the Association and chief coach Deep Raj Gurung said that the association was focusing on junior talents. “This will help bring good players in the future,” Lama said.
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