Judoka Vijay and Karateka Erica Named Best Players at NOC Awards 2026

Kathmandu, 23 June — Judoka Vijay Sinjali and karateka Erica Gurung were honored as the best players at the NOC Awards 2026 on Tuesday. Vijay received the award in the men’s category, while Erica was recognized as the best female player. Similarly, Karateka Kushal Shrestha was declared the NOC Best Male Coach, and Kabaddi coach Harina Thapa was named the NOC Best Female Coach.

The NOC Best Youth Player 2026 awards were presented to Nurbu Thendup Sherpa from boxing and Shivali Gurung from tennis. Nurbu was recognized as the best young male athlete, and Shivali was honored as the best young female athlete. Ajay Fuyal, editor of Kheladi Dot Com, received the NOC Best Print Sports Journalist Award, while senior sports correspondent Sarita Shrestha secured the NOC Best Online Sports Journalist Award.

The Best Cameraperson award was given to Sudarshan Ranjit. The Nepal Karate Federation was declared the Best Association. Winners from each category were awarded NPR 50,000 along with trophies and carpets as a prize. New Horizon Carpet Pvt. Ltd. sponsored the carpets for the winners.

Additionally, the NOC Presidential Award was presented to Ashokaratna Bajracharya, Geeta Rana, Chaturananda Rajbaiyya, Nepal Former Athletes Forum, Sharad Chandra Shah Memorial Foundation, Thunderbolt Sports Academy (James School), Suryalal Bhandari, and Laxmi Shrestha in recognition of their contributions. NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha congratulated all the winners and noted that the NOC has been organizing the awards ceremony annually on 23 June, coinciding with Olympic Day. NOC General Secretary Rajiv Shrestha expressed gratitude, and the program coordinator and NOC Vice President Gopal Sundarlal Kakshapati delivered the welcome address.