U-16 Junior Handball Competition Begins in Pokhara

Pokhara. The U-16 boys and girls junior handball competition has started from today at the Pokhara Stadium. The competition has been organized with the aim of strengthening the foundation of the sport by producing capable handball players from the school level for the nation, organized by Gandaki Province Handball Association and promoted by Province Sports Council Gandaki.

The organizer informed that on the first day, a total of 10 games were completed, six in the boys' category and four in the girls' category. The competition, which will run until Asar 29, is being held under the 'league-cum-knockout' system, with the participation of 13 teams in the boys' category and nine teams in the girls' category.

Inaugurating the competition, Province Sports Council Gandaki Member Secretary Shridhar Sharma said that the council is committed to the development of sports and the protection of players. Mentioning that the sports policies formulated by the council are becoming exemplary at the national level, he informed that players and sports-related organizations will be honored with cash prizes on Asar 30.

"The policies we have adopted in the sports sector have contributed to the development of sports. We believe that sports competitions and player honors will produce new players and provide more enthusiasm and inspiration to the players," said Sharma. He also requested the concerned bodies to create employment opportunities for junior and senior players, while acknowledging the contribution of players and sports-related organizations by awarding provincial sports medals.

Gandaki Province Handball Association Chairman Keshav Pathak said that the competition has been organized with the objective of identifying talented players from the school level, developing their capabilities, and creating a competitive environment.

The winning boys' and girls' teams of the competition will receive cash prizes of Rs 25,000 each, the runners-up Rs 15,000, and the third-placed team Rs 10,000. The best player, best goalkeeper, and highest scorer will each receive Rs 3,000 along with medals, trophies, and certificates, the organizer informed.

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