13th SAG: Shrestha wins first gold for Nepal

Kathmandu–Mandekaji Shrestha of Nepal has clinched the first gold medal for Nepal in the ongoing 13th South Asian Games (SAG) here. Shrestha won the gold medal in the individual kata under karate.

The karate competition was held at the Karate Hall based in Satdobato. He beat Pakistani player Niamatullah and secured 25.72 points. The Pakistani player who bagged silver medal scored 24.92 points.

In the semifinal match before this, Mandekaji edged the Bangladeshi player and secured his place in the final. With this Mandekaji has become successful in winning a gold medal for the country in karate's kata after two decades.

Gangaram Maharjan had won gold medal in kata in the 8th SAG held in Nepal before this. Chanchala wins silver in women karate kata event Meanwhile, Chanchala Danuwar of Nepal won a silver medal in the in the women's individual kata.

She was defeated by Pakistan's Shahida in the final bout. Chanchala secured 24.62 points.