Kathmandu, July 22

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri today felicitated the Rio Olympic Games squad here today.

Chhetri handed over Rs 25,000 each from his personal side and gave away the sports kits sponsored by different business houses to seven athletes and five coaches. Out of the 12 members, five players and two coaches are affiliated to Tribhuvan Army Club.

Athletes Hari Kumar Rimal and Saraswati Bhattarai, taekwondo player Nisha Rawal, judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri and swimmer Shirish Gurung are affiliated to the TAC, while archer Jit Bahadur Moktan and swimmer Gaurika Singh are the other two athletes picked for the Rio Games, slated for August 5-21. Singh, who lives in England, was not present at the programme.

Out of the five coaches, Olympians Sangina Baidhya (taekwondo) and Pushpa Raj Ojha (athletics) are affiliated to the Army. Olympian Debu Thapa (judo), Ishwor Karki (swimming) and Deepak Gurung (archery) are the other coaches. “Every players dreams of participating in the Olympics and you are the lucky ones who have got this opportunity,” said Gen Chhetri. “I wish you all the best and I am confident that you will put in your best show to make the country and people proud,” he added.

Maj Gen Rajendra Bahadur Karki briefed about Nepal’s participation in Rio Olympic Games. Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha, former president Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan and representatives from Nepal APF and Nepal Police among others were also present on the occasion.