KATHMANDU, Feb 5: Senior sports journalist Prajwal Oli won the prestigious International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Sports Media Award on Monday.
A sports reporter at The Kathmandu Post, Oli won the 'Writing - Best Column' category for his piece ‘Nepal barely plays 50 different sports but hosts nearly 200 sports association’ which was published on July 4 last year.
He also became the first Nepali national to win the highest international accolade in the sports media industry, which is worth Rs 912,312 (8,000 USD).
Sports journalist Prajwal Oli bags AIPS sports media award
In his column, Oli had explored the issue of unnecessary establishment of sports associations in Nepal which are barely functional.
“I feel happy that my article has been adjudged the best in the world. This is the biggest achievement I have had in my journalism career. I want to thank everyone for their immense support,” Oli said after receiving the award in Budapest, Hungary.
“I want to dedicate this award to my colleagues and friends who have been with me for this award,” added Oli, who is also the General Secretary of the Nepal Sports Journalist Forum.
“Even though there are hundreds of sports associations registered at the National Sports Council, barely a few of them are able to organize sporting events.”
“As much happier I am to receive this award, I feel unfortunate to realize that Nepali sports has not made adequate improvement. I hope my fellow journalists will receive the same opportunity that I have had and will one day be fortunate to write positive stories concerning Nepali sports,” he said.
Oli has been active in sports journalism for the past one and half decade.
