NTA awarded Rs 50,000 and a letter of appreciation to Kunwar while KC received a letter of appreciation. National Sports Council Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama, NTA President Prakash SJB Rana and General Secretary Deep Raj Gurung handed over the award and letters of appreciation to Kunwar and KC. [break]
Kunwar, who lost fingers of his left hand in an accident in South Korea three years ago, had claimed bronze in the 68kg weight category of the championship held in Lausanne, Switzerland two weeks ago. He had received a bye in the first round and defeated Brazil´s Almeida Flavio 5-3 in the quarterfinal to secure the bronze medal. He had lost 5-11 to Isaldibirov Magonedzagir of Russia in the semifinal. He had also won the ´Good Fighting Spirit Award´ at the championship.
"I´m happy to become the first player to represent the country in the Para Taekwondo Championship and also the first medalist," said Kunwar during the felicitation ceremony. He applauded NTA and taekwondo family for their support to him.
Speaking at the function, NSC Member Secretary Lama said Kunwar´s achievement was another feather in NTA´s cap. "Winning a medal in the first ever participation in para taekwondo was a great achievement," said Lama.
Lama said the government and sports authorities are yet to prepare a national policy regarding para-sports and para athletes. "There is controversy in Nepal in Paralympics as well since there are two Paralympics bodies. We are yet to resolve this controversy," said Lama. "We need a national policy for developing sports for differently-abled athletes," he added.
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