Kathmandu: The Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) brought its premier event to Pokhara this year, marking a historic first for the annual awards ceremony. The 22nd edition of the NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards took place at the city’s National Assembly Hall, where Nepal’s sporting elite gathered to celebrate a year of outstanding achievements.
Cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee walked away with the Male Player of the Year title, while karate athlete Erika Gurung earned the female equivalent. Abhimanyu Golchha, Director of the Golchha Group, presented Airee with his trophy along with a brand-new Pulsar NS 200 ABS motorcycle – a fitting prize for the country’s top male athlete.
The ceremony recognized excellence across 11 different categories, honouring those who’ve raised Nepal’s sporting profile both at home and on the international stage throughout 2025.
Bajaj, the event’s title sponsor, continues to promote Nepali sports through its support of these awards and numerous other initiatives. The company has become a cornerstone of the sporting community, backing everything from talent programs to major international competitions, helping to professionalize and elevate Nepal’s sporting landscape.
In a touching tribute to sporting legacy, veteran athlete Khadga Bahadur Ranabhat received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to Nepali sports. Senior coach Tulsi Kumar Gurung was honoured with a Special Award for his work nurturing athletic talent.
The complete list of winners includes:
- Trailblazer of the Year: Palesha Goverdhan (Para Taekwondo)
- Male Player of the Year: Dipendra Singh Airee (Cricket)
- Female Player of the Year: Erika Gurung (Karate)
- Coach of the Year: Kabiraj Negi (Para Taekwondo)
- Young Player of the Year: Pooja Mahato (Cricket)
- People’s Choice Award: Himal Sunari (Volleyball)
- Para Athlete Honor: Prava Angdambe
- Special Award: Tulsi Kumar Gurung
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Khadga Ranawat
- Team of the Year: Kho-Kho (Men’s and Women’s teams)
- Asian Sports Journalist Award: Rana Hasan
The event drew an impressive turnout, with the Federal Sports Minister, National Sports Council officials, Kaski’s Chief District Officer, and Pokhara’s Deputy Mayor all in attendance. Athletes, coaches, sports fans, and journalists packed the venue to witness the celebrations.
Now in its 22nd year, the NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards has firmly established its position as Nepal’s premier sporting recognition program. Organizers have pledged to maintain their transparent and merit-based selection process, continuing to bridge the gap between sports journalism and athletic achievement in the years ahead.