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Nepal’s rising tennis star, 13-year-old Shivali Gurung, has secured a sponsorship package worth Rs 2m for 2025, led by Bhat Bhateni Supermarket, Nepal’s largest retail chain. Currently ranked #12 in the Asian Tennis Federation’s U14 Girls’ category, Gurung is on track to break into the top 10 this year, representing Nepal on the global stage.  

The sponsorship, contributed by prominent brands and organizations such as Trust Nepal Overseas, Transweld Nepal, Dirk & Brown, Tipco, Infinity, Pepe Pizza, and Bhat Bhateni Holding, will fund her training, travel, and participation in international tournaments. Key contributors include Trust Nepal Overseas and Transweld Nepal, each pledging Rs 500,000 annually, and Bhat Bhateni Supermarket providing Rs 180,000 alongside goods worth Rs 100,000 through its holding company.  

Kalyan Gurung, Director of Bhat Bhateni Supermarket, emphasized the importance of investing in young talent, stating, “At Bhat Bhateni, we are committed to youth development and creating future athletes who will represent Nepal on the global stage. Supporting Shivali is part of our vision to inspire and nurture talent.” Similarly, Rabin Gurung, Chairperson of Trust Nepal Overseas, hailed Shivali’s dedication, adding, “Her talent embodies Nepal’s excellence, and we are excited to be part of her journey.”  

Expressing her gratitude, she said, “This sponsorship is a life-changing opportunity. I am thankful to all my sponsors for their generous support, which allows me to fully focus on my game and chase my dream of becoming Asia’s top U14 player. I hope to make Nepal proud.”  

Already an accomplished athlete, Gurung has won the U18 Nepal Championship, reached the ITF World Tennis Tour J30 finals, and delivered stellar performances in international tournaments across Asia.

The anthem of the Janakpur Bolts, ‘Aail Baani Cup Jitey’, in the Bhojpuri language, translates to “We have come here to win the title.” True to its spirit, the anthem’s essence has been realized.

In a stunning climax to the first season of Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur triumphed over Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets with four balls to spare at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on Saturday. The victory marked a remarkable redemption for the Bolts, who had lost their previous two encounters with the Royals earlier in the tournament. However, when it mattered most, Janakpur seized the moment to claim the championship trophy in front of a packed and vibrant crowd. 

With this win, Janakpur claimed the tournament’s top prize of Rs 11m, while the Royals, who finished as runners-up, received Rs 5.1m. Karnali Yaks, who placed third after their loss in Qualifier 2, took home Rs 2.5m, and the Chitwan Rhinos, eliminated earlier in the playoffs, earned Rs 1.5m for finishing fourth.  

The Bolts had a rollercoaster journey to the title, marked by ups and downs. They began the league stage with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Biratnagar and followed it up with wins against Karnali, Pokhara, and Lumbini. A thrilling one-run victory over Lumbini was among their most memorable performances in the league. However, they also faced setbacks, losing to Sudurpaschim Royals and Chitwan Rhinos. Despite these losses, Janakpur secured second place in the points table with five wins from seven matches, earning a spot in the playoffs.  

In the playoffs, Janakpur faced Sudurpaschim in Qualifier 1 but suffered an eight-wicket loss. They bounced back strongly in Qualifier 2, defeating Karnali Yaks by two wickets in a nail-biting contest to book their place in the final. 

The final was all about Janakpur’s star performer, Lahiru Milantha, who delivered a Player of the Match-winning performance with a blistering 87 runs off just 49 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the Bolts’ chase of 185 runs with his commanding knock, laced with nine boundaries and four sixes. Milantha’s aggressive yet composed innings proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Winning the toss, the Royals opted to bat first, putting up a competitive total of 184/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The Royals’ innings was powered by a fine 69 off 43 balls from Saif Zaib, whose efforts throughout the tournament earned him the title of Player of the Tournament. Binod Bhandari also played a solid hand with 41 off 31 balls. Despite a strong start, the Royals faltered in the latter stages of the innings, losing wickets in quick succession to Janakpur’s disciplined bowling attack.

Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin were the pick of the bowlers for the Bolts, each claiming three wickets to restrict the Royals from reaching an even higher score. Lalit Rajbanshi was economical, giving away just 15 runs in his four overs and taking a crucial wicket.

Chasing 185, Janakpur Bolts got off to a flying start in the powerplay, scoring 71 runs without losing a wicket. Captain Aasif Sheikh set the tone with a quick-fire 33 off 19 balls before being dismissed at the end of the powerplay.

Milantha continued to dominate, receiving support from Harsh Thaker, who contributed a composed 30 not out off 24 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial 50-run partnership for the third wicket, taking the game away from the Royals. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Janakpur maintained the required run rate, thanks to Milantha’s brilliance.

The winning moment came in the 19.2 overs, with Thaker hitting the decisive runs, sparking wild celebrations among the Janakpur players and fans.

Sudurpaschim, who had dominated the league stage with seven wins in eight matches, missed out on the title despite their strong form. 

Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamata expressed his disappointment, saying the team fell short of their potential in the final. “The batting was going according to plan, and the power play went well. But we couldn’t capitalize in the last five overs despite having wickets in hand. We should have scored more runs,” he said. Tamata, however, congratulated Janakpur Bolts for their outstanding performance and praised the contributions of Sudurpaschim’s players. 

Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the strong start his team had in the final but lamenting their failure to capitalize on it. “Everyone played well, and we had a good batting performance. However, our bowlers couldn’t perform up to expectations. Congratulations to Janakpur, especially Milantha and Aasif, for their great game,” Airee said.

The NPL 2024 featured several standout performers. Milantha of Janakpur was the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 293 runs in 10 matches at an average of 32.55 and a strike rate of 130.8. Ravi Bopara of Chitwan Rhinos followed with 286 runs in eight matches at an average of 40.85, while Rohit Paudel of Lumbini Lions scored 279 runs in seven matches at an average of 39.85. Among the bowlers, Scott Kuggeleijn of Sudurpaschim Royals and Lalit Rajbanshi of Janakpur shared the top spot with 17 wickets each, while Sohail Tanvir of Chitwan Rhinos took 14 wickets.  

Some of the tournament’s most memorable bowling performances included William Bosisto’s remarkable 6/28 for Karnali against Pokhara and Sohail Tanvir’s 5/21 for Chitwan against Kathmandu. The highest team total came from Biratnagar, who scored 193/8 against Lumbini, while Sudurpaschim Royals registered a thrilling win with the highest margin of 90 runs against Biratnagar.  

The tournament saw several standout performances. Dipendra Singh Airi was declared the Best Nepali Player of the tournament and awarded a Chinese Omoda E-5 car worth Rs 6.2m. He scored 227 runs and took nine wickets in the competition. Similarly, Lalit Rajbanshi, who topped the wicket-takers’ list with 17 dismissals in 10 matches, was named the Best Bowler, receiving a cash prize of Rs 500,000 along with a bike. Sudurpaschim’s Saif Zaib, who amassed 275 runs and claimed 12 wickets, was awarded the Player of the Tournament and received Rs 500,000.

Another highlight was Karnali Yaks’ 16-year-old bowler Bipin Sharma, who was declared the Emerging Player for his 13 wickets in eight matches. He received a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a promising start to a bright career. He also got a scholarship worth Rs 1m.

Despite their disappointment in the final, Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamata reflected on the positives, noting the overwhelming support for cricket. “This is a victory for Nepali cricket as a whole. The love for cricket here is immense, and it’s heartening to see so many spectators and sponsors contributing to the sport,” he said.

The Nepal Premier League 2024 was a celebration of cricket, showcasing the immense talent and potential of Nepali players. With record-breaking performances, thrilling contests, and dramatic moments, the tournament captivated cricket enthusiasts across the nation and set a new benchmark for cricketing excellence in Nepal.

Sudurpaschim Royals skipper Dipendra Singh Airee has won the car by being the best player of the Nepal Premier League.

Airee, who failed to win the Nepal Premier League title, won the car.

Similarly, Lalit Rajbansi of Janakpur Bolts has been rewarded with the motorbike. He is the season’s highest wicket-taker.

Janakpur Bolts defeated Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets to clinch the title of first season of Nepal Premier League.

Chasing the target of 185 runs posted by Sudurpaschim Royals in the match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday, Janakpur Bolts achieved the target in 19.2 overs losing five wickets.

Lahiru Milantha scored highest 87 runs for Janakpur, hitting nine fours and four sixes in 49 balls. With this, Milantha has become the highest run scorer in the tournament. He made 293 runs in 10 innings with two half centuries.

Janakpur scored 71 runs without the loss of any wicket in the powerplay.

Opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 runs off 19 balls with four fours and two sixes. Harsh Thaker scored 30 off 24 balls.

Winning the toss, opener Saif Zaib scored 69 runs off 43 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes in 43 balls.

Another opener, Binod Bhandari added 41 runs off 31 balls. Similarly, Brandon McMullen and Harmanpreet Singh made 14 runs each and Scott Kuggeleijn scored 13 runs while other batters failed to score in double digits.

Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato took three wickets each for Janakpur. Likewise, James Neesham and Lalit Rajbansi claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Janakpur had lost to Sudurpaschim by 72 runs in the league stage and by eight wickets in the first qualifier.