Dipendra Singh Airee and Erika Gurung Named Players of the Year at NSJF Sports Awards
KATHMANDU: Nepalese cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee and karate athlete Erika Gurung were named Male and Female Player of the Year at the 22nd NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards, as the country’s most prestigious sports ceremony was hosted outside Kathmandu for the first time.
Organised by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF), the awards ceremony was held at the National Assembly Hall in Pokhara, marking a milestone in the event’s history. The annual programme recognises outstanding achievements by athletes, coaches and sports professionals who have contributed to Nepal’s sporting success at national and international levels during the year.
Airee received the top male accolade for his performances in cricket, while Gurung was honoured for her achievements in karate. According to organisers, the awards were presented following an evaluation of competitive results, consistency and impact during 2025. Airee’s prize was handed over by Golchha Group director Abhimanyu Golchha, along with a motorcycle provided by the event’s title sponsor.
Awards were presented across 11 categories, highlighting excellence in individual and team sports, para-sports, coaching and sports journalism. NSJF said the selection process was conducted through a transparent and merit-based system, overseen by a panel of sports journalists.
Veteran athlete Khadga Bahadur Ranabhat received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long-standing contribution to Nepali sport. Senior coach Tulsi Kumar Gurung was presented with a Special Award for his role in developing athletes and strengthening the country’s sporting foundations.
Other recipients included para-taekwondo athlete Palesha Goverdhan as Trailblazer of the Year, Kabiraj Negi as Coach of the Year, and young cricketer Pooja Mahato as Young Player of the Year. Volleyball player Himal Sunari was named winner of the People’s Choice Award, while Prava Angdambe received the Para Athlete Honour. Nepal’s men’s and women’s kho-kho teams were jointly awarded Team of the Year. Sports journalist Rana Hasan received the Asian Sports Journalist Award.
The ceremony was attended by the federal sports minister, senior officials from the National Sports Council, Kaski’s chief district officer and Pokhara’s deputy mayor, alongside athletes, coaches, journalists and sports supporters.
Now in its 22nd year, the NSJF Sports Awards are widely regarded as Nepal’s leading platform for recognising sporting excellence. Organisers said hosting the ceremony in Pokhara reflected an effort to expand national representation and strengthen links between sports journalism and athletic achievement across the country.
