The 31st Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Olympic Museum was held in Lalitpur. The assembly paid tribute to the late founding president Kshitij Arun Shrestha and the late treasurer Manju Tuladhar. The parliamentary assembly unanimously elected Sansi Shrestha as president, expressing a commitment to advance the museum at both national and international levels. March 22, Kathmandu.
The Nepal Olympic Museum, the first and only Olympic museum in South Asia, successfully held its 31st annual general meeting in Lalitpur. The meeting honored the memory of the late founding president, Kshitij Arun Shrestha, and the late treasurer, Manju Tuladhar, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Shrestha established the museum in 1994 as a pioneering initiative to preserve Nepal’s sports history.
During the meeting, Shrestha’s daughter, Sansi Shrestha, was unanimously elected as the new president. Upon her election, she expressed her commitment to fulfilling her parents’ vision by promoting the museum on both national and international stages. The new executive committee includes Jit Bahadur KC and Bhairav Shahi as vice presidents, Kishor KC as general secretary, and Ranjan Nagarkoti as treasurer. Olympians Tika Ram Shrestha and Vimala Rana Magar, along with Sulojana Sijakhwa, Surya Nepal, Kumar Shrestha, Ganesh Thapa, Ganesh Bhattarai, G.R. Khatri, and Prajapati Dahal were appointed as members.
Officially inaugurated at the Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor during the 8th South Asian Games in 1999, the museum has been dedicated to preserving sports artifacts, collecting athlete records, promoting traditional sports, and conducting sports research. Looking ahead, the museum plans to prioritize digitization, creating digital archives of athletes, and programs connecting youth with sports history. Additionally, it was announced that special events will be held to honor the founders during the 32nd anniversary celebration.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has shut down more than 7,000 online gambling apps and websites as part of the government’s administrative reform agenda. The authority has coordinated with internet service providers to block illegal gambling apps and websites within 24 hours. Under the Muluki Criminal Code, those involved in gambling face confiscation of the amount used, imprisonment for up to one year, and fines up to NPR 10,000. Kathmandu, 22 Chaitra.
More than 7,000 apps and websites related to online gambling have been shut down. According to Deputy Director Surya Prasad Lamichhane of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, illegal gambling apps and websites have been identified and internet service providers instructed to block them. “So far, over 7,000 such URLs and apps have been shut down. In the past week, the authority has received more than 50 complaints related to online gambling, all of which are being addressed as actions proceed,” he said.
Among the 100 points approved in the cabinet meeting on Chaitra 13 related to administrative reforms, point number 42 mandates shutting down gambling apps and websites within 24 hours. Following this decision, the authority, in collaboration with internet service providers, immediately blocked all identified gambling apps and websites operating electronically. According to Section 125(4) of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074 BS, engaging or facilitating gambling is prohibited. Violators face confiscation of the gambling amount, imprisonment for up to one year, and fines up to NPR 10,000.
The government has reiterated its appeal to refrain from using or operating gambling apps and websites. Strict action will be taken against unauthorized operation or use. Additionally, the government has urged the public to report any suspicious apps or websites to the concerned authorities.
Tourism entrepreneur Karn Shakya has asserted that his hotel operating in Lakeside, Pokhara, has not encroached upon land belonging to Fewa Lake. The Pokhara Metropolitan City demolished structures of the hotel situated within the Fewa Lake area, a move taken because the court had not issued any stay order. The new government has included the removal of unauthorized structures in the Fewa Lake vicinity within its 100-day action plan, which the metropolitan city is implementing.
Kathmandu, 22 Chaitra – Following the demolition of his hotel’s structures by the metropolitan city on Saturday, Shakya clarified that he did not violate any regulations. He stated, “There has been no land encroachment. We have the ownership certificate, the approved map, a license from the Tourism Department, certification from the Industry Department, as well as permission from the central bank. We have paid taxes annually and hold no bank loans.”
Shakya operates the Waterfront Hotel in Lakeside. The metropolitan city removed certain parts of the hotel on Saturday, citing that these structures fell within the protected zone of Fewa Lake. Shakya expressed dissatisfaction over the demolition being carried out without prior notice. However, the metropolitan city had previously requested that no new structures be constructed in this area and that existing unauthorized ones be removed. A 65-meter buffer zone has been established to protect Fewa Lake, and the court has already issued orders related to this regulation.
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has safely recovered a missing crew member from the American F-15 fighter jet that crashed. Although the pilot had already been rescued by U.S. forces, an official connected to weapons systems had been unaccounted for since the incident. Trump confirmed that this crew member was rescued in good condition. Both the United States and Iran were actively involved in the search operation. The Iranian military had announced rewards for those who helped locate the individual. Videos circulating on social media show hundreds of Iranians searching in mountainous areas.
Iranian officials have claimed that the crashed fighter jet was downed by Iran’s own air defense systems, though no official response has yet been issued by U.S. authorities. Iranian state media reported on Friday for the first time that their forces had brought down the American aircraft in the country’s southern region. The military search and rescue mission managed to locate the jet’s pilot. During the rescue operations, an A-10 Warthog aircraft took part but reportedly came under attack over the Persian Gulf. The A-10 pilot was said to have ejected safely using emergency equipment.
After the F-15E jet was downed, the helicopter carrying the rescued pilot was also reportedly fired upon with a low-powered weapon. Several crew members aboard the helicopter were wounded as a result. According to American media reports, the helicopter was able to land safely. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that tribal groups living in mountainous regions opened fire on two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the U.S. rescue mission. A video confirming the incident was publicly released on Friday.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, the top joint military command credited the country’s new air defense systems with shooting down both U.S. warplanes. However, the exact time and location of the F-15 crash have not been officially confirmed. Iranian state media mentioned two possible provinces — Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, or Khuzestan. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad are mountainous southwestern provinces of Iran, home to more than 700,000 residents.
Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Janamat Party (RJP), has proposed the election of DP Aryal as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Since Aryal stands as the sole candidate, he has been elected unopposed to the position. The House of Representatives is scheduled to formally announce his election as Speaker today, 22 Chaitra, in Kathmandu.
During the House session, the proposal to elect DP Aryal as Speaker was formally presented by RJP Chairman Ravi Lamichhane. Chairman Lamichhane expressed his gratitude to all parties that supported Aryal’s unanimous election as Speaker. “I extend my thanks to everyone for their cooperation and political respect,” Lamichhane said.
Dr. Swarnim Wagle has also voiced support for Ravi’s proposal. Since Aryal was the only nominee registering on the nomination day last Friday, he has secured an unopposed election as Speaker. Today’s House session will officially declare his election.
22 Chaitra, Pyuthan – A fire broke out in the settlement of Khedaghatt, Aairawati Rural Municipality-1. The fire reportedly started from a grass-thatched temporary shed owned by local resident Laxman Rana and spread throughout the village, according to police reports. To control the blaze, a team of 30 personnel, including DSP Narhari Adhikari, chief of the District Police Office, alongside officers from the Bijuwar Police Office and Dangwang Police Post, were deployed.
The fire, which began around 11:45 pm Saturday night, was brought under control by 7 am Sunday morning with the assistance of the Nepali Army, Armed Police, and local residents, according to Hari Bhattarai, Information Officer at Pyuthan District Police Office.
Thirteen homes belonging to families in the locality were completely destroyed by the fire. Authorities estimate damages to be close to one crore Nepali rupees.
March 22, Kathmandu – A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan. According to Mohammad Yusuf Hammad, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority, the earthquake resulted in the deaths of nine individuals. Hammad reported that a house collapsed in Kabul province, leading to the fatalities of those nine people. Additionally, one child was injured at the same location. The tremors from the earthquake were also felt in the capital city, Kabul. The earthquake’s epicenter was identified at a depth of 186.4 kilometers, located at 36.55 degrees north latitude and 70.85 degrees east longitude.
Kalinchok Hydropower has issued 1,375,000 primary shares worth NPR 137.5 million for the general public. Applications for the IPO can be submitted for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 10,000 shares, with the application window open until Chaitra 25.
The company’s project, located in Sangukhola of Dolakha district, has a generating capacity of 5 megawatts and a total project cost of NPR 120 crore.
Kathmandu, 22 Chaitra – Kalinchok Hydropower has officially opened its primary shares (IPO) to the general public. The company plans to sell 25 percent of its issued capital of NPR 550 million, which amounts to NPR 137.5 million or 1,375,000 shares, to public investors. After allocating shares to local communities affected by the project, Nepalis working abroad, collective investment funds, and employees, 684,750 shares remain reserved for the general public.
The IPO application process allows investors to apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 10,000 shares, according to sales manager RBB Merchant Banking. The application window closes on Chaitra 25. Care Ratings Nepal assessed the company with a BB rating, indicating a moderately weak capacity for debt repayment.
Applications can be submitted via member banks and financial institutions of ASBA or through the CDSC’s online platform, Meroshare. The project in Sangukhola, Dolakha district, was developed with a 5 MW capacity. The total project cost is NPR 120 crore, with a cost per megawatt of NPR 24.14 crore. The payback period for regular investments is set at 9.19 years, while the payback period on a discounted basis is 15.36 years.
The Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives and National Assembly will convene on 22 Chaitra in Kathmandu.
The House of Representatives will formally announce Rashtriya Swatantra Samajwadi Party Vice Chairperson Dol Prasad Aryal’s unopposed election as Speaker.
The National Assembly meeting will include the chairperson’s nomination of subject committee members, and the Prime Minister will present the women’s commission annual report.
22 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Both houses of the Federal Parliament will convene today. The House of Representatives meeting will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the National Assembly meeting at 12:15 p.m.
The House of Representatives session, to be held in the multipurpose hall of the under-construction Federal Parliament building at Singha Durbar, will see the formal announcement of Rashtriya Swatantra Samajwadi Party Vice Chairperson Dol Prasad Aryal’s unopposed election as Speaker.
Aryal was elected unopposed for the Speaker position after filing his sole candidacy on nomination registration day last Friday.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will meet at Singha Durbar at 12:15 p.m. The agenda includes the chairperson’s nomination and adjustment of members of subject committees. Additionally, the chairperson will nominate members authorized to conduct meetings in the absence of the chairperson and deputy chairperson.
According to the schedule, Prime Minister Balendra Shah is also set to present the annual report of the Women’s Commission for fiscal year 2081/82, Federal Parliament Secretariat Secretary-General Padma Prasad Pandey stated.
Scientists believe that “banking” sleep can enhance athletic performance, improve concentration, and offer numerous benefits.
It’s the weekend — an ideal time to turn off your alarm clock and enjoy a few extra hours in bed.
For many weary after a busy workweek, this opportunity for sleep can be quite beneficial.
But are we perhaps overlooking another perspective? Could storing extra hours of sleep before busy periods help mitigate the effects of upcoming sleepless nights?
Some researchers suggest that banking sleep might be an effective strategy.
The concept of sleep banking refers to intentionally sleeping longer on multiple nights in advance of anticipated periods when sleeping will be difficult.
This helps the brain accumulate the resources needed to stay alert and improve cognitive performance later on.
The topic is gaining popularity in health-related discussions on platforms like TikTok.
Sleep banking is often praised as a way to boost performance before long journeys or major events.
Some consider it a “protective shield” against periods of intense demands. But is it truly effective?
The concept was first introduced in 2009 by researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, USA.
A team led by Tracy Roepke at the University of Utah tested this with soldiers, seeking methods to increase alertness before missions.
They began by studying whether extending sleep duration helps or not.
The researchers divided 24 soldiers into two groups: one allowed 7 hours of sleep per night, the other 10 hours.
The following week, these participants were limited to just 3 hours of sleep per night, following their prior extended sleep periods.
The results were promising: those with extended sleep showed less decline in alertness and concentration, and their reactivity was quicker than those who had not banked sleep.
Years of various studies have suggested that sleep banking can protect mental and physical health before nights of insufficient sleep.
Image credit, Getty Images
Caption, Supporters claim sleep banking can be helpful in the near future if you anticipate sleeplessness.
A 2023 study by doctors at a Miami hospital showed that an extra 90 minutes of sleep for three nights could significantly improve nighttime sleep quality for up to two weeks.
Other studies have demonstrated positive effects on athletic performance through this strategy.
Tennis players improved their performance by sleeping nine hours each night for a week consecutively. Basketball players also showed improvements after increasing sleep from five to seven weeks.
Sleep: A Bank or a Credit Card?
However, sleep banking remains a controversial topic. Not all researchers agree that sleep can be “banked” and later used as needed.
Many try to clarify whether the body truly stores sleep for future use or simply compensates for unmet prior needs.
Studies on shift workers investigating sleep banking suggest there may be biases involved.
Improvements in performance could merely reflect the extended sleep prior to the study rather than true banking.
The central question remains: why does our body need sleep?
“There are many theories on why we sleep,” said Peter Pollos, Associate Professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
“Sleep involves metabolic, hormonal, neurological, and cognitive processes that operate during this time. It’s essential for the brain to consolidate and prioritize important information.”
Physiologically, sleep is critical for repairing billions of cells in our body.
“Healthy sleep is vital for cellular repair and energy replenishment,” said Michael Howell, Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota.
“Throughout the day, our brain and body produce various wastes that are cleaned during sleep.”
He recommends seven to nine hours of sleep nightly for most adults. “Only a minority can function well with four or five hours of sleep.”
Severe sleep deprivation causes harm.
Without adequate sleep, the brain cannot clean waste effectively, making it challenging to focus on daily activities.
“Whether you’re learning a language, music, an athlete, or acquiring new skills, you will struggle to concentrate and process information,” he explained. “It also impairs long-term memory storage and usage.”
Roepke and colleagues believe that sleep banking aids the brain in removing neuronal waste and replenishing glycogen, an energy source for the brain, enabling it to withstand sleep deprivation.
Is it Best to Bank Sleep in the Morning or at Night?
“If you want to bank sleep, I recommend adding 30 to 60 extra minutes and trying to start this practice one or two weeks before the anticipated period of sleep loss,” Howell advised.
Setting an alarm to wake up earlier is easier for most, as people generally find it easier to sleep early and wake early, although this may vary.
Peter Pollos added that going to bed early might work best for some individuals.
“If you can wake at 6 a.m., set your alarm for 7 a.m., but anyone can wake at 6 a.m. by whatever means,” he said.
Image credit, Getty Images
Caption, People who struggle to get long nighttime sleep are advised to take short afternoon naps.
Elizabeth Klerman, Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, emphasized the need to verify if sleep banking is truly possible, given that it would require people to be able to sleep even when they aren’t naturally sleepy — evidence for which is currently lacking.
She cited past experiences showing that people often cannot sleep more even when given the opportunity, leading her to compare sleep to a credit card rather than cash.
“In other words, you may go into debt, but you cannot save surplus sleep,” she explained.
If people believe sleep banking is effective, they risk depriving themselves beforehand by assuming they’ve stored enough sleep.
“This could prevent them from obtaining what is fundamentally essential for their health and well-being,” she warned.
Nevertheless, she concurs that catching up on missed sleep when necessary is important. However, she cautions against napping for longer than 45 minutes in the afternoon, since oversleeping can lead to lethargy.
Peter Pollos advises that while sleep banking may aid in future sleep deficits, it should not be relied upon as a long-term solution.
“Don’t depend on it for all your sleep problems or the demands of life,” he said. Improved sleep habits will provide long-term benefits.
“Try to keep consistent bedtimes and wake times, and ensure you get enough quality sleep,” Pollos stressed.
Chaitra 22, Kathmandu – The Bhaktapur police have reported arresting 60 individuals during a ‘sweep operation.’
On Chaitra 21, the District Police Office along with subordinate units detained 60 people, according to the authorities.
The police had been monitoring individuals suspected of involvement in motorcycle theft and other suspicious activities. During this operation, 60 persons were apprehended in a single day, said Prakash Jabegu, the Information Officer and DSP of Bhaktapur District Police Office.
The Bhaktapur police have designated this campaign as the ‘Sweep Operation.’ DSP Jabegu added that this operation will continue in the coming days as well.
Meanwhile, Bhaktapur police also arrested a public transport bus driver for operating the vehicle under the influence of intoxicants. The driver was taken into custody during a checkpoint at Radheradhe on Chaitra 21, police reported.
22 Chaitra, Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank has determined the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Sunday). The buying rate for the US dollar is set at NPR 148.67 and the selling rate at NPR 149.27. The European Euro is priced at a buying rate of NPR 171.62 and a selling rate of NPR 172.31; the UK Pound Sterling has a buying rate of NPR 196.76 and a selling rate of NPR 197.55, while the Swiss Franc’s buying rate stands at NPR 186.22 and selling rate at NPR 186.97.
The Australian Dollar buying rate is NPR 102.71 with a selling rate of NPR 103.12, the Canadian Dollar is priced at NPR 106.76 for buying and NPR 107.19 for selling, and the Singapore Dollar’s rates are NPR 115.65 for buying and NPR 116.11 for selling. The Japanese Yen (per 10 units) has a buying rate of NPR 9.32 and selling rate of NPR 9.36, the Chinese Yuan is at NPR 21.61 buying and NPR 21.69 selling, the Saudi Arabian Riyal is NPR 39.59 for buying and NPR 39.75 for selling, and the Qatari Riyal rates are NPR 40.78 buying and NPR 40.94 selling.
According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.57 with a selling rate of NPR 4.58, the UAE Dirham stands at NPR 40.48 buying and NPR 40.64 selling, and the Malaysian Ringgit is priced at NPR 36.88 buying and NPR 37.03 selling. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) is NPR 9.85 for buying and NPR 9.89 for selling, the Swedish Krona rates are NPR 15.76 buying and NPR 15.82 selling, and the Danish Kroner is NPR 22.96 buying and NPR 23.06 selling.
Nepal Rastra Bank has set the Hong Kong Dollar buying rate at NPR 18.97 and selling at NPR 19.05, the Kuwaiti Dinar at NPR 484.50 buying and NPR 486.46 selling, and the Bahraini Dinar at NPR 393.83 buying and NPR 395.42 selling. The Omani Riyal is valued at NPR 386.21 for buying and NPR 387.76 for selling. Similarly, 100 Indian Rupees are set at NPR 160 for buying and NPR 160.15 for selling. The Rastra Bank has stated that these exchange rates are subject to change at any time as per necessity. It has also noted that commercial banks may set different exchange rates, and updated rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.
The conflict initiated by the US and Israel in Iran has persisted for over a month, fueling concerns that this Middle Eastern dispute could escalate further.
This conflict is impacting not only Iran but also dozens of countries including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Azerbaijan, the West Bank, Cyprus, Syria, Qatar, and Lebanon.
Many are alarmed by the possibility of a Third World War, fearing that this confrontation might extend beyond regional boundaries.
When Can a War Become a World War?
“People tend to think that wars are fully planned and everyone knows exactly what they are doing,” said Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus Professor of International History at Oxford University. Speaking on a global podcast, she explained:
“However, studies of the past, especially World War I, reveal that most wars have started due to accidents and miscalculations by opponents,” MacMillan elaborated. “Sometimes, it can be understood as a simple schoolyard fight.”
MacMillan recalls that World War I began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
Within weeks, alliances plunged Europe into war: Austria-Hungary acted against Serbia; Germany supported Austria; Russia backed Serbia; France supported Russia; and Britain entered the war.
Every subsequent action led to global destruction, she notes.
Image source, Stringer/Getty Images
Caption, US and Israel have targeted many Iranian oil and gas facilities connected to its nuclear program
Professor Jo Maiolo of King’s College London defines world wars as full-scale conflicts involving all major powers.
“In World War I, European imperial powers were involved. World War II included the US, Japan, and China,” he said.
Many now consider Middle Eastern tensions as regional. Could they, however, expand extensively?
In an interview in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already started a third world war. He said only aggressive military and economic pressures could force Putin to withdraw.
“I believe Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory they can seize and how to stop them… Russia is trying to impose a way of life on the world that people have not chosen,” Zelensky stated.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Caption, The US-Israel conflict has deeply impacted Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East, displacing millions of people
So, how real is the threat of a third world war at present?
“I believe the risk could increase due to Iran or allies like the Houthis in Yemen,” MacMillan said.
Iran may take measures such as targeting shipping routes or closing the Strait of Hormuz, which would disrupt global energy supplies and draw in major powers.
US involvement has escalated risks; even nations not directly engaged are feeling economic and strategic effects.
Another danger is that a regional conflict could profoundly impact other areas.
While Western countries are entangled, China could attack Taiwan, or Russia might intensify operations in Ukraine.
“There is always the possibility of conflict spreading beyond this region because conflicts create opportunities elsewhere, and involved parties are often too occupied to prevent it,” MacMillan added.
According to Professor Maiolo, the conflict will remain limited to the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council regions. However, China and Russia will not be directly involved in this war.
“It’s unlikely China will launch an attack on Taiwan in the near future. That is entirely improbable.
Regarding a world or third world war, I don’t think China or Russia will become directly involved, especially not in Europe,” he said.
He analyzed China’s diplomatic approach as distinct from US President Donald Trump’s strategy: “When your competitor is making major strategic mistakes, you should let them continue.”
Despite fluctuations in oil prices, Maiolo considers China’s choice to avoid diplomatic engagement in its own interests.
He added, “Strategically, the US being occupied in the Middle East is far more interesting for China than the region’s oil resources.”
The Role of Leaders
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, While Moscow discusses partnerships with Iran, it does not desire Russian intervention for military aid
History shows wars often arise from pride, honor, and fear of opponents, according to MacMillan.
She adds that history also demonstrates that leaders can alter the course of events.
“France’s Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau once said that maintaining peace was harder than going to war during World War I.”
MacMillan explains that when people endure great sacrifices and losses, leaders often decide that “the war must continue to be won.”
Pride also plays a role in leaders’ policies and decisions. Referring to Putin, she says, “The invasion of Ukraine was a clear mistake.”
Russia launched a full-scale invasion four years ago but has not achieved its military objectives in Ukraine since then.
The UK Ministry of Defence estimates Russian casualties at 1.25 million, exceeding the number of American deaths in World War II.
MacMillan warns that those refusing to accept failure or prolong the conflict deepen the crisis further.
Historically, leaders like Adolf Hitler fought on despite inevitable defeat due to ideology and pride.
Such decisions can escalate a limited conflict into a widespread war.
Ways to Reduce Tensions
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Caption, The conflict initiated by the US and Israel in Iran has been ongoing for over a month
MacMillan emphasizes the critical importance of diplomatic efforts to halt the war: “You need to understand the other side… and maintain contact with them.”
She recalls that towards the end of the Cold War, NATO’s involvement helped improve communication between opposing parties.
“There are many cases where people exercised patience despite uncertainty, recognizing the need to ease tensions.”
Maiolo concurs, stating: “Tel Aviv, Washington, and Tehran must realize the outcomes achievable within their means.”
He points out that continued war cannot yield satisfactory results for all parties involved.
“Arrangements relieving sanctions, security measures, and a clear understanding of Iran’s role in global politics are necessary,” he said.
Maiolo concludes that only mediation can bring warring parties to a ceasefire and help manage long-term peace.
Arsenal was defeated 2-1 by Southampton, resulting in their exit from the FA Cup quarterfinals. Ross Stewart and Che Adams scored for Southampton, securing a victory for the home team. Meanwhile, Chelsea advanced to the semifinals with a commanding 7-0 win over Port Vale. Kathmandu, 5 April — Arsenal, one of the top teams in the Premier League, was knocked out of the FA Cup quarterfinals following last night’s 2-1 loss to Southampton. Southampton took the lead in the 35th minute with a goal from Ross Stewart. Although Arsenal maintained ball possession throughout the first half, they failed to create clear scoring opportunities. In the second half, Arsenal equalized through Victor Gyokeres in the 68th minute, leveling the game at 1-1. However, near the end of the match, substitute Che Adams scored the decisive goal, securing a vital victory for the home side. This win marks Southampton’s first FA Cup semifinal appearance since 2021. On the same night, Chelsea secured their place in the semifinals with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Port Vale.
Gorkha-11 Cricket Club has revealed its new jersey in Lisbon, intensifying preparations for the upcoming Portugal National Cricket League scheduled to start on April 18 in Lisbon. The team will be captained by Manjit Singh, who will lead the club that was the runner-up in the previous national cricket league.
The jersey unveiling ceremony was held at Ola Nepal House Restaurant in Lisbon. The event was attended by notable players including World Cup participant cricketer Rahul Bishwakarma and Madhukar Thapa. Established in 2016 under the leadership of Madhukar Thapa, Gorkha-11 is recognized as a popular team within the Nepalese community in Portugal.
For this season, the club aims to deliver an outstanding performance under Manjit Singh’s captaincy and secure the championship title. The new jerseys are sponsored by Breeze International and the British Gurkha Cricket League, with additional financial support from various businesses based in Portugal. Other distinguished attendees of the event included BGCL Chief Executive Officer Gam Gurung, Portugal national cricket team player Saidur Rahman, former ICC member and NRNA official Rajkumar Thapa, and Senior Vice President of NRNA Portugal Suraj Bist.