APF and Mahindra Host First Sports Award Ceremony in Nepal
The first edition of the ‘APF Mahindra Sports Award 2081’ was successfully concluded in Kathmandu, marking a significant milestone in the recognition and encouragement of Nepali sports talent.
The award ceremony was held under the joint collaboration of Nepal APF Club, a division of the Armed Police Force of Nepal, and Agni Incorporated Private Limited, the official distributor of Mahindra vehicles in Nepal. The event took place on Friday at the Krishna Mohan Smriti Building located within the APF Club premises in Halchowk.
The primary aim of this initiative was to honour athletes and sports personalities who have showcased exemplary performance and made notable contributions to both the organisation and the nation. The event drew the presence of prominent media personnel, accomplished athletes, and a distinguished lineup of guests, creating a celebratory atmosphere befitting the occasion.
Speaking during the ceremony, Executive Director of Agni Group Mr. Arjun Prasad Sharma shared the company's motivation for supporting the event. He stated that Agni Group, in collaboration with APF Club, aims to celebrate and encourage athletes who contribute to Nepal’s sporting excellence. He emphasized the importance of recognising such talent and expressed a strong commitment to continue this platform in the future, furthering the cause of sports development in Nepal.
The award ceremony recognised top performers across various categories. The title of ‘APF Mahindra Player of the Year 2081 – Female’ was awarded to football player Renuka Nagarkoti, who received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Similarly, badminton player Prince Dahal was honoured as the ‘APF Mahindra Player of the Year 2081 – Male’ and was also awarded Rs. 50,000. The title of ‘Most Popular APF Mahindra Player of the Year 2081 – Male’ went to karate player Mohammad Sekhu Alam, while football player Preeti Rai received the ‘Most Popular APF Mahindra Player of the Year 2081 – Female’ award. Both received a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 each.
The APF Women’s Football Team was recognised as the ‘APF Mahindra Team of the Year 2081’ and awarded a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. The ‘APF Coach of the Year 2081 – Male’ title was conferred upon football coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey, and the ‘APF Coach of the Year 2081 – Female’ went to karate coach Ganga Devi Adhikari, with each receiving Rs. 25,000. In the youth category, U-16 football players Tenzing Sherpa and Sabitri Kishan were awarded the titles of ‘APF Mahindra Young Player of the Year 2081 – Male’ and ‘Female’, respectively, along with cash prizes of Rs. 25,000 each.
In addition to these recognitions, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Mr. Raju Aryal presented the 'APF IGP Commendation' certificates to former coaches and players who contributed significantly to the club’s sporting legacy. Individuals and organisations who extended their support were also acknowledged with tokens of appreciation and certificates. All awardees received formal recognition through certificates and commemorative tokens.
Among the distinguished guests were Honourable Home Minister Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council Mr. Tanka Lal Ghising, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Mr. Raju Aryal, Inspector General of Nepal Police Mr. Dipak Thapa, Chairperson of the Armed Police Family Women’s Association Mrs. Anita Lamichhane Aryal, Chairman of Agni Group Mr. Cabinet Shrestha, Managing Director of Agni Group Mrs. Susan Vaidya Shrestha, and Executive Director Mr. Arjun Prasad Sharma. Also in attendance were Country Head for Mahindra & Mahindra in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh Mr. Chaitanya Kagalkar, Vice President of Agni Group Ms. Veda Satasha Shrestha, and Head of Research and Development at Agni Group Mr. Vedant Shrestha.
