Nepal’s Medal Hopes Dim as Athletes Exit Asian Games Early

 

Kathmandu, September 22 — Nepal’s disappointing run at the 20th Asian Games in Japan continued on Tuesday, with several Nepali athletes and teams being eliminated in the early stages of their respective events.

Nepal’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams put up strong challenges against powerful opponents but were unable to secure victories. The men’s kabaddi team is scheduled to face India on Tuesday, following earlier defeats against strong sides including Iran and Pakistan.

Nepal also missed out on a medal opportunity in women’s karate kata. The team comprising Sanumaya Thing, Megha Limbu and Alisha Raskoti lost 5–0 to Chinese Taipei in the repechage competition.

In soft tennis, Kamal Bhandari and Georgia Chaudhary were eliminated in the second round of the mixed doubles event. Nepal’s swimmers also failed to advance beyond the heats in their respective events.

Fifteen-year-old Arya Maharjan was eliminated in the women’s 50m backstroke, while Ervin Shrestha exited the men’s 50m freestyle. Duana Lama was unable to progress in the women’s 200m freestyle, and Jaden Shrestha was eliminated in the men’s 100m breaststroke.

Nepal’s athletes in judo, boxing and taekwondo, where the country had hoped to compete for medals, have also struggled to advance. Most of the Nepali competitors in these disciplines have been eliminated in the first or second rounds.

With several athletes already out of contention, Nepal’s medal prospects have become increasingly limited. The remaining Nepali competitors will look to improve their performances and keep the country’s medal hopes alive at the Asian Games.