Tenzing Expresses Discontent Over Government Award: Did We Compete in a Lower-Level Event?
Tenzing Sharpa, the karate athlete who won a bronze medal for Nepal at the 20th Asian Games, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government for awarding him only half the prize money stipulated by sports regulations, after taxes. Despite completing the official selection process and representing the country, Tenzing raised questions on social media about the unequal treatment of medal winners.
According to the sports guidelines, an individual bronze medalist is entitled to NPR 1.3 million; however, athletes who win medals without undergoing a selection process receive only half the amount. Kathmandu, 29th Ashoj: At the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, Nepalese karateka Tenzing Sharpa won a bronze medal but received just half the prize money post-taxation. Tenzing has voiced complaints to the government about receiving only this reduced amount, contrary to sports policy.
On social media, he highlighted the discrepancy in treatment among athletes competing in the same event and questioned its fairness. “If I had competed via a wildcard or without undergoing selection, it might have been different. But I completed the official selection process in Nepal and represented the country. When we compete for our nation, why should the value of our effort, sacrifice, and victory differ?” he asked.
Tenzing emphasized that beyond money, he seeks proper recognition for his hard work and the medal’s true worth. “My humble question to those who make and enforce these rules—Is it right to discriminate among athletes like this? Players competing in the same event, representing the same sport and flag, and sharing the dream of winning medals—how just is it to apply different criteria in awarding prizes?” he wrote. Expressing disappointment over the questions raised about the medal’s honor and valuation, he added, “We felt proud when we won the medal for the country. Now, being questioned about the respect and assessment of that medal has left me somewhat saddened. I hope the relevant authorities understand my sentiment and make a fair decision.”
At the same Games, Nepal’s women’s kabaddi team also claimed a bronze medal. According to the rules, each player in a team event receives a proportionate amount; yet, kabaddi players received only half of the expected NPR 390,000 per athlete. While the government disbursed the prize money for Asian Games medalists promptly this year, athletes have expressed internal dissatisfaction regarding the award distribution.