Kush Prasad raised many eyebrows as he scored a hat-trick to steer Tourism Development Bank (TDB) to the final of the ongoing Elephant Calves´ Football.[break]
TDB defeated Gaurishankar Development Bank 4-2 to set up a title clash with Kist Bank. Kist had defeated DCBL 2-0 in the inaugural match held a day ago.
Gaurishankar took an early lead in the match after Narayan Gaj scored in the 5th minute. He added another goal two minutes later to double the lead.
TDB pulled a goal back in the 13th minute through Kush Prasad, who looked quite energetic and agile. Chitrasen Kali scored the second for TDB a minute later to level the match in the first half.
The calves of TDB kept Gaurishankar under constant pressure in the second half. Kush Prasad scored another goal in the 17th minute. He then completed his hat-trick in the injury time to seal the victory for his side.
Meanwhile, defending champion Champakali of Hotel Barahi Pokhara advanced into the final along with six other contestants in the 300m Elephant Race organized on the occasion of the Seventh International Elephant Festival. Champakali finished the race in 1 minute 15.69 seconds.
Other elephants to quality for the final are Prithvikali of Himalayan Encounter, Ichchhakali of Nepal Dream Travel, Ruksikali of The Explorer Nepal, Anarkali of Rotary Club Nepal and Beautykali of CG Foods Nepal. Altogether 12 teams had competed in the semifinals.
(Photo: Dipesh Shrestha)
In the tanga race, Sanjay Sah of Radio Barahi, Jitan Chaudhary of Jitan Sales, Brijan Majhi of Radio Chitwan, Surendra Chaudhary of Rhino Lodge and Foods, Feku Mukhiya of Wild Horizon Guest House and Hero Pawe of Green Society Nepal made it to the final.
Likewise, in the gada race, Deviram Mahato of Chitwan Forest and Resort, Dimar Mahato of Royal Park Hotel, Jamun Mahato of Green Mansion, Laxman Shrestha of Chitwan Riverside, Kanna Mahato of Jungle Nepal Resort and Ilahi Mahato of Machan Wild Life Resort secured final berths.
Beauty contest
A beauty contest for elephants was included in this edition to entertain the tourists. Six elephants were decorated and brought on the field. Dhirendrakali scored the highest 169 points out of 250 to win the beauty contest. The winner was decided by judging the dress, make-up, health, discipline and cleanliness of the elephants.
Related story
Snow cover in Hindu Kush region drops sharply
