ITAHARI, Jan 7: 42nd National Athletic Championship has begun at the Sports City Ground Ithari today.  A total of 187 athletes are participating in the Championship. Nepal Athletics Association has organised the three-day Championship in coordination with Morang Athletics Association.

La Liga champions Barcelona stayed on the heels of leaders Real Madrid by coasting to a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Lionel Messi became the club's top scorer from free kicks.