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Brazil Leads Haiti by Three Goals in First Half

At the Philadelphia Stadium, Brazil has established a clear three-goal lead against Haiti during the first half. In this FIFA World Cup 2026 match, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha has scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added another goal. In the opening games, Brazil drew with Morocco, whereas Haiti was defeated by Scotland.

June 20, Kathmandu – Brazil took a commanding three-goal lead over Haiti in the first half of their FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Brazil’s first-half performance at Philadelphia Stadium has been impressive. Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and doubled the lead with his second goal in the 36th minute. Vinicius extended the advantage to three goals by scoring during injury time of the first half. Although Brazil’s Raphinha scored in the 12th minute, the goal was disallowed due to offside. Throughout the first half, Brazil dominated play against Haiti.

Matheus’ Goal Gives Brazil the Lead Against Haiti

In the ongoing competitive match at Philadelphia Stadium, Brazil has taken the lead thanks to a goal by Matheus Cunha. During the FIFA World Cup 2026 match held in Philadelphia, Brazil took the lead against Haiti with Matheus Cunha’s goal in the 23rd minute. A goal by Raphinha in the 12th minute was disallowed due to offside.

Brazil had drawn their opening match against Morocco, while Haiti suffered a defeat against Scotland. After 30 minutes of play, Brazil is maintaining strong pressure on Haiti.

Budhanilkantha Wins the 10th National Women’s Basketball Championship

Budhanilkantha Municipality emerged victorious in the 10th National Women’s Open Basketball Championship held in Kirtipur. In the final match, Budhanilkantha defeated Grandy Stars with a score of 50–37. Anusha Mall from Budhanilkantha was declared the Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

On 5th Ashar, Kathmandu – Budhanilkantha Municipality claimed the title of the 10th National Women’s Open Basketball Championship. The final, held at Kirtipur Covered Hall on Friday, saw Budhanilkantha dominate Grandy Stars with a clear 50–37 victory. Establishing an early lead, Budhanilkantha maintained their advantage through halftime with a score of 27–13.

Although Grandy Stars attempted a comeback in the latter part of the game, the initial lead by Budhanilkantha ultimately proved decisive. The quarter scores were 13–6 in the first, 14–7 in the second, 13–14 in the third, and 10–10 in the fourth quarter. In the semifinals, Budhanilkantha defeated Sunsari Basketball Association, while Grandy Stars triumphed over ISA Nepal.

Energetic player Rana Magar from Budhanilkantha was named the Player of the Match in the final. The champion team, Budhanilkantha, received a cash prize of NPR 50,000, medals, certificates, and a trophy. The runner-up, Grandy Stars, were awarded NPR 30,000. Additionally, Anusha Mall from the champion team was honored as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), receiving a cash prize of NPR 10,000.

The emerging team, Sunsari Basketball Association, also received a cash prize of NPR 10,000. Among the teams from outside the valley, Nirbhiti Sharma from Annapurna Basketball Association was recognized as the Best Player and awarded NPR 5,000. Organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), the championship featured a total of eight teams, including three from outside the valley. According to the association, this competition also serves as a selection platform for the national women’s basketball team for the upcoming South Asian Women’s Basketball Championship.

The winning teams and outstanding players were honored by executive committee member of the National Sports Council, Sikka Suwal Shrestha; General Secretary of the Nepal Olympic Committee, Rajiv Shrestha; and the President of the Nepal Basketball Association, Bhim Singh Gurung, among others.

Erika Gurung Secures Bronze Medal at 22nd Asian Senior Karate Championship

Erika Gurung won the bronze medal in the women’s over 68 kg category at the 22nd Senior Asian Karate Championship held in Bali, Indonesia. According to coach Kushal Shrestha, Erika defeated the Kazakhstani competitor with a decisive score of 11–2 to claim the bronze medal. Kathmandu, 19 June.

The Nepalese karate star Erika Gurung earned the bronze medal at the ongoing 22nd Asian Senior Karate Championship in Bali, Indonesia. In the women’s over 68 kg weight class, she defeated Kazakhstan’s Taisia Ultelbayeva by 11-2 to secure the medal. After receiving a bye in the first round, she advanced to the semifinals by achieving an 8-0 victory over India’s Joni Mankhya in the second round.

However, in the semifinals, she lost 3-1 to the host nation’s Lubis Lika Al Humairas, which prevented her from advancing to the final. This marks Erika’s second medal at the 22nd Asian Karate Championship. She had previously won a historic silver medal at the 20th edition held in Hangzhou, China in 2024. She also secured a medal at the 21st edition held last year in Uzbekistan.

Erika is currently preparing for the 20th Asian Games set to take place in Japan and is satisfied with winning bronze this time. Following her historic silver medal at the 19th Asian Games, also held in China’s Zhanzhou in 2023, she has remained a consistent medalist in international competitions. Additionally, she has secured a historic silver medal at the Karate 1 Premier League.

USA Advances to Knockout Stage with Second Consecutive Win

With this victory, the United States has secured its advancement to the next stage of the tournament at least as one of the best third-placed teams. In a Group D match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 held in Seattle, the US defeated Australia 2-0, marking their second consecutive win. This result takes the US to 6 points, inching them closer to the knockout stage, while Australia has earned 3 points from two matches. Alex Freeman scored for the US, and Australia’s defender Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute. June 20, Kathmandu.

The United States has progressed to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after registering back-to-back wins. In the match at Seattle Stadium, the US beat Australia 2-0 to confirm their advance to the next round. With this win, the US is assured of at least a top-three finish in Group D. The US has accumulated 6 points from two matches, having previously defeated Paraguay in their opening game. After their first loss, Australia has only 3 points from two games. Paraguay and Turkey remain scoreless so far.

In the upcoming Saturday morning match, if Paraguay beats Turkey, the US will secure a top-two finish in the group, guaranteeing their place in the knockout rounds. Alex Freeman contributed one goal for the US, and the other came courtesy of an own goal. The US took the lead through an own goal by Australia’s defender Cameron Burgess. In the 11th minute, US player Folarin Balogun crossed the ball into Australia’s box, and as Burgess attempted to clear it, the ball deflected into his own net. Freeman then doubled the US lead in the 43rd minute. After that, no further goals were scored from either side. Although Australia improved their performance in the second half compared to the first, they were unable to find the net.

Nepali Applicants for Caregiver Positions in Israel Can Submit Police Reports After Application Deadline

The Department of Foreign Employment has arranged for Nepali applicants seeking caregiver positions in Israel to submit their police reports after applying. Applicants must submit the final police report by 14 Ashad, along with proof that they have applied for the police report. The department has opened applications for 2,300 caregiver positions, with the deadline to fill out forms set for 7 Ashad.

5 Ashad, Kathmandu – The Department of Foreign Employment has introduced a provision allowing Nepalis applying for assistant caregiver roles at long-term care centers in Israel to submit the police report later, even if it is not available at the time of application. According to the notification issued by the department, this measure is to ensure that the application process is not delayed due to the absence of a police clearance certificate.

As per the notice, applicants who meet all the mandatory qualifications can submit their applications accompanied by proof of application for the police report. However, applicants must submit the final police report indicating ‘with no criminal record’ by midnight on 14 Ashad. The department has clarified that any application lacking the police report by the specified deadline will be automatically rejected.

This provision was established in response to delays in issuing police reports during the Israel job application process. The department aims to facilitate smoother documentation collection and expedite the process associated with sending assistant caregivers to Israel’s long-term care centers. Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit all required documents on time.

Own Goal by Australian Defender Gives US Lead in FIFA World Cup 2026 Match

In the ongoing match at Seattle Stadium, Australian defender Cameron Burgess scored an own goal, giving the United States the lead. During the FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Australia, Burgess’s own goal put the US ahead 1-0. In the 11th minute, US player Folarin Balogun delivered a cross into the Australian defense. While attempting to clear the ball, Cameron unintentionally directed it into his own net.

Both teams, placed in Group D, had won their opening matches prior to this encounter. The United States defeated Paraguay, while Australia secured a victory over Turkey. Kathmandu, June 6.

Government Defies Supreme Court Ruling, Electricity and Water Lines Cut for 21 Industries

Despite the Supreme Court rejecting the review petition, Industrial Area Management Limited has disconnected the electricity and water lines of 21 industries. While the Supreme Court ruled that only rent increases after 2079 BS can be collected, the Limited continues to pressure industries by demanding rent dating back to 2075 BS. Ejaz Ahmad, president of Nepal Industrial Area Industry Federation, accused the Limited of cutting electricity and water lines without prior notice.

June 19, Kathmandu.

Although the Supreme Court dismissed the review petition filed by Industrial Area Management Limited, the Limited has, for a third consecutive day, cut the electricity and water supply lines to 21 industries. Managing various industrial areas across the country, the Limited has been disconnecting water and electricity lines over disputes related to land lease payments.

The Supreme Court’s decision allowed collection of rent increases only after 2079 BS; however, the Limited is insisting on rent payments dating back to 2075 BS, pressuring the industries. Following the Court’s ruling, the Limited filed a review petition, which was rejected by the Supreme Court on Thursday. Henceforth, the Limited can only collect rent increases incurred after 2079 BS.

Rather than adjusting rental disputes according to the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Limited has continued to cut utility lines, stated Ejaz Ahmad, president of the Nepal Industrial Area Industry Federation. “In the meantime, industries have been paying rent, although some dues might remain. Some may have even paid excess rent. After the latest Supreme Court ruling, collections should have been made by calculating how much each industry has paid and how much remains,” Ahmad said. “However, without clarifying whether the rent pertains to 2079 BS or 2075 BS, the electricity and water lines have been forcibly cut.”

The Limited’s regulations allow cutting off electricity and water lines only when arrears on these utilities are unpaid. Ahmad accused the Limited of misusing these rules due to rental disputes. Additionally, the industries received no written notice regarding disconnection of electricity lines.

According to the Limited, out of the 21 industries disconnected today, 12 have already settled their dues. Furthermore, 21 industries that had their lines cut on the first and second days have paid and reconnected today, the Limited reported. Nevertheless, lines remain disconnected for 68 industries.

“The dispute concerns land rent; we have consistently paid water and electricity charges on time. We are willing to pay as per the court’s decision, but instead of listening to us, the Management Limited is acting like thugs,” an industry representative said.

The Management Limited, however, claims that only those who have not paid as per the Supreme Court ruling have had their lines disconnected. The Limited stated that it collected NPR 31,867,493.73 in dues today alone. A total of NPR 3,204,627,715.61 has been collected so far.

The line disconnections began as the Limited took action against industries in 10 industrial areas (Balaju, Patan, Bhaktapur, Hetauda, Pokhara, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Dharan, Birendranagar, and Gajendranarayan Singh) that had long-standing unpaid rent.

USA Takes Two-Goal Lead Against Australia in First Half

The United States took the lead with an own goal before Alex Freeman scored the second goal for the team. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match, the USA secured a two-goal advantage over Australia in the first half. In the 11th minute of the match, Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal, giving the US their first lead. Then, in the 43rd minute, Alex Freeman doubled the lead with a header. On June 6 in Kathmandu, the US took a two-goal lead against Australia during the ongoing game at Seattle Stadium. The US successfully put Australia under pressure in the first half, starting with Burgess’s own goal in the 11th minute, which occurred when his clearance struck his own net. Subsequently, Freeman’s header just before halftime extended the US lead to two goals.

Prime Minister’s Office Leads Reopening of Hetauda Textile Industry, Launches Clean-Up Campaign

News Summary

  • The long-closed Hetauda Textile Industry is set to resume operations following direct intervention by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office.
  • Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Gaurikumar Yadav confirmed preparations are underway to reopen the factory within the current fiscal year.
  • After a lengthy shutdown, security forces have begun a joint clean-up campaign of the textile industry premises.

June 19, Hetauda — The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office has taken a leading role in reopening the Hetauda Textile Industry, which has been closed for nearly two decades. According to Hetauda Industrial Area Management Limited, the Prime Minister’s Office is directly involved in the process of resuming operations.

Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gaurikumar Yadav recently conducted an inspection of the factory. Following the visit by the minister and her team, Himalaya Bhandari, Information Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that preparations to restart the factory are rapidly progressing.

Two days prior, the Prime Minister’s Office held a telephone discussion with Meena Kumari Lama, Mayor of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, regarding the operation of the textile factory. Mayor Lama informed that dialogue concerning the municipality’s role in this effort took place and the municipality is ready to allocate the entire budget for the upcoming fiscal year toward the factory’s reopening.

Mayor Lama expressed confidence, saying, “The Prime Minister’s Office initiative has instilled certainty about restarting the textile industry, which will significantly contribute to national economic development and create employment opportunities, revitalizing Hetauda and surrounding areas.”

Prompted by the Prime Minister’s Office’s concern, Mayor Lama and Makwanpur Chief District Officer Basant Adhikari have conducted inspections of the factory. Minister Yadav carried out her inspection on May 24 (Jestha 10, Nepali calendar).

Responding to questions raised in the House of Representatives regarding the fiscal budget for 2083/084 (Nepali fiscal year), Minister Yadav announced the government’s plan to reopen the Hetauda Textile Industry within this year.

She said, “Among existing industries in the area, Hetauda Textile Industry is the first to be prioritized for reopening. Alongside the textile factory, thread production in Butwal and cotton farming in Nepalgunj, Banke will also commence operations this year.”

Established in 1975 (2032 BS) and operational from 1978 (2035 BS), the Hetauda Textile Industry, along with the thread factory in Butwal and the cotton production facility in Nepalgunj, had ceased operations after the textile factory was shut down, according to Himalayan Bhandari, Information Officer of Hetauda Industrial Area Management Limited.

Bhandari affirmed that preparations to restart the textile factory are nearly complete. “The machinery is mostly intact with only minor rust in some parts. After routine maintenance, operations can resume. Buildings are also in good condition and will require only minor repairs to restore full production capacity,” he explained.

Comprehensive Cleanup of Factory Premises Underway for First Time

Since 2018 (2075 BS), the Armed Police Force’s 14th Battalion has been stationed at the textile industry premises, whereas previously security was maintained by just two guards.

Security officials report that some equipment was stolen and the factory premises had become a gathering spot for drug users. However, with the presence of the Armed Police Force, security has been fully restored.

Nearly two decades after its shutdown, a thorough clean-up of the factory site has begun for the first time. The Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police are jointly conducting the sanitation drive, according to Deputy Superintendent Niban Shrestha, commander of the Armed Police Force’s 14th Battalion.

According to Shrestha, this is the first time even the concrete structures are being cleaned. “Trees and plants from the upper parts of the buildings have been removed. Clearing of dense shrubs and other cleaning activities are ongoing,” he added.

Repeated Attempts to Reopen the Factory

After the factory’s closure in 2001 (2057 BS), multiple attempts to restart production were unsuccessful. Efforts to privatize the factory in 2002 (2058 BS) failed due to lack of bidders.

During the tenure of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Pradhan and Finance Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in 2008 (2065 BS), over NPR 80 million was allocated for reopening the factory, yet no progress was made.

After all activities were transferred to the Industrial Area Management Limited (IDM) in Balaju in 2012 (2069 BS), repeated announcements were made regarding the factory’s revival. Former industry ministers also expressed faith in its reopening.

Former industry ministers Ashtalakshmi Shakya, Mahendra Prasad Yadav, Anil Kumar Jha, Mahesh Basnet, and Navindra Raj Joshi have all pledged to revive the Hetauda Textile Industry. During Minister Dilendra Prasad Badu’s tenure, ministry teams visited the site for study purposes.

Under Prime Minister Dahal Pradhan’s leadership, the Nepal Army has also conducted feasibility studies on reopening the factory and proposed investments of around NPR 200 crore to the government.

Removal from Government Records

The factory has recently been removed from official government records. On January 25, 2023 (12 Magh 2079 BS), the Council of Ministers transferred the factory’s buildings and land to Industrial Area Management Limited, thus maintaining government shares under this entity.

The 256 ropani land was valued at NPR 201.9 million and buildings and infrastructure at NPR 81.2 million, assigning the government’s shares accordingly. The plant and machinery were valued at NPR 81.4 million, with the government taking NPR 70 million and the rest subject to 5% annual investment by the management company.

Following these arrangements, the factory’s details have been removed from the Company Registrar Office and the Industry Department.

Currently, the factory owns no land, buildings, or machinery. The Industrial Area Management Limited leases out the land except for the factory premises to 23 other industrial tenants.

On March 6, 2015 (20 Falgun 2071 BS), then Industry Minister Mahesh Basnet inaugurated the expansion of Hetauda Industrial Area (Industrial Area-2). The expansion covered 20 Bighas 12 Kathas 8 Dhur (around 13.5 hectares) of land managed by IDM.

Of the 243 ropani land area of the factory, 55 ropani is leased out by the Industrial Area Management Office for other industries. Notable leaseholders include South Asian Brewery Pvt. Ltd. (105 ropani) and Avinash Eggs Pvt. Ltd. (9.75 ropani).

Currently, about a dozen small and medium-sized industries may operate on 188 ropani of the land where the textile factory is situated, but the dilapidated buildings and machinery remain locked inside rooms. Neither the textile factory operates, nor is the land being utilized for new industries.

Ramesh Limbu and Sunsari Rokaya Win Ramroshan Sky Running Championship Titles

News Summary

Prepared by AI. Editorial review completed.

  • Ramesh Limbu from Taplejung and Sunsari Rokaya of Nepal Army have won the titles of the Ramroshan Sky Running Championship 2026.
  • The competition held in the Far-Western tourism area of Ramroshan saw participation from 153 runners representing 57 districts across the country.
  • Winners of the 28-kilometer race were awarded cash prizes of NPR 100,000, 75,000, and 50,000 for first, second, and third place respectively.

June 19, Kathmandu – Ramesh Limbu from Taplejung and Sunsari Rokaya of Nepal Army have claimed the championship titles of the Ramroshan Sky Running Championship 2026.

The Nepal Adventure Running Federation (NARF) hosted the inaugural Ramroshan Sky Running 2026 competition, where Ramesh Limbu won the men’s open category and Sunsari Rokaya secured victory in the women’s open category.

Limbu completed the 28-kilometer open course in 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 15 seconds to clinch first place.

Sonam Bahadur Rawat from Jumla finished second with a time of 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 45 seconds, while Arjun Budha placed third, completing the race in 3 hours and 41 minutes.

In the women’s open division, Sunsari Rokaya finished first, completing the distance in 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 44 seconds. Nirmala Rai from Khotang secured second place with a time of 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 17 seconds.

To encourage local youth, a 5-kilometer community run was organized for athletes under 20 years old. Sushil Timilsina from Panchdeval Binayak Municipality was the fastest male, finishing the run in 24 minutes. In the female category, Devaki Dhami completed the race in 29 minutes and 27 seconds, winning first place.

Cash prizes for the 28-kilometer Sky Running Challenge for both male and female categories were NPR 100,000 for first place, NPR 75,000 for second, and NPR 50,000 for third.

Additionally, the top 10 finishers in both categories received cash awards.

Outstanding male and female performers in the 5-kilometer community run were awarded NPR 15,000 and NPR 10,000 respectively.

All winners were honored with trophies, medals, and certificates.

The competition held in the Far-Western Province’s tourist destination Ramroshan included participation from 153 runners representing 57 districts nationwide.

Covering challenging terrain with altitudes ranging from 2,150 to 3,830 meters, the event is expected to promote adventure sports and support the development of tourism in Ramroshan.

Banks Compete to Attract Borrowers by Lowering Interest Rates Amid Excess Liquidity and Weak Loan Demand

Excess liquidity and low loan demand within the financial system have triggered a competition among banks to attract borrowers by reducing interest rates. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, approximately NPR 1.3 trillion is currently available as investible funds in the financial system, yet loan demand remains sluggish. Santosh Koirala, president of the Nepal Bankers’ Association, noted that towards the end of the fiscal year, banks have focused more on loan recovery than on disbursing new loans.

Kathmandu, 5 Ashar – With the growing complexity of excess liquidity within the financial system, banks and borrowers have begun to play with declining interest rates. This has resulted in competition where banks attempt to draw borrowers from rivals by offering lower rates. As of mid-April of the current fiscal year, loans disbursed by banks to the private sector totaled NPR 312 billion, which is NPR 5.6 billion less compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.

Banks have started attracting customers from other banks by offering loans at benchmark rates. The CEO of a commercial bank stated, “There is no demand for loans, and interest has to be paid as soon as deposits come in.” Meanwhile, the average maximum interest rate on personal term deposits by commercial banks stood at 4.27 percent in the month of Ashar, while the average interest rate on loans in Jestha was 6.73 percent.

Krishna Bahadur Adhikari, CEO of Nepal Infrastructure Bank (NIFRA), said, “The growing dissatisfaction between clients and banks has led to a trend of shifting loans.” Currently, interest rates have declined, with banks offering fixed interest rates ranging from 7 to 9 percent. This environment has likely encouraged customers to transfer loans, contributing to the current situation.

10th SKIBS 3×3 Basketball Tournament Begins Saturday with 48 Teams Participating

News Summary

Prepared after review.

  • The 10th SKIBS 3×3 Basketball Tournament, organized by Shri Chandravindu International Boarding School in Basundhara, Tokha, will commence on Saturday.
  • The competition will feature 48 teams from 33 schools, with organizers estimating expenses around NPR 150,000.
  • The two-day tournament will include matches in Senior Boys, Junior Boys, and Girls categories.

June 19, Kathmandu – The 10th SKIBS 3×3 Basketball Tournament, organized by Shri Chandravindu International Boarding School (SKIBS), is set to begin this Saturday.

According to SKIBS Principal Arun Kumar KC, a total of 48 teams representing 33 schools will participate in the competition. There are 24 teams in the Senior Boys category, while Junior Boys and Girls categories will each feature 12 teams.

TIA holds the championship title in the Senior Boys category, Paramount Academy champions the Junior Boys, and Valley Public leads in the Girls category. Organizer Sagar Sharma estimated the tournament expenses to be approximately NPR 150,000.

On the first day, pre-quarterfinal matches for Senior Boys and quarterfinal matches for Junior Boys and Girls groups are scheduled, according to SKIBS basketball coach Sanjay Prajapati.

The matches will be held over two days at the organizer’s basketball court located in Ward No. 5, Tokha Municipality, Basundhara.

Irregularities Found in Vehicle Imports at Rasuwa Customs, 13 Staff Suspended

Following the confirmation of irregularities in vehicle imports through the Rasuwa Customs checkpoint, the Customs Department has suspended 13 employees, including the former office chief. Although the vehicles physically did not arrive, clearance was granted, leading to enforcement actions against importing companies such as Laxmi E-Mobility, Syamex, and CG Motors. (June 19, Kathmandu)

An internal review by the Customs Department confirmed no irregularities in the clearance process of 649 electric vehicles imported through the Mustang checkpoint. The study on vehicle imports via Mustang and Rasuwa checkpoints revealed that vehicles imported through Mustang’s Korala checkpoint before the budget period showed no irregularities. However, the department confirmed that at Rasuwa, goods clearance was processed based solely on documentation even though the vehicles did not physically arrive.

The monitoring team found that customs staff at the Rasuwa office did not exercise due diligence or fulfill their responsibilities adequately during the clearance of electric vehicles. Due to the incomplete legal process, the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department took departmental action by suspending 13 employees including the former office chief at Rasuwa Customs, advancing disciplinary proceedings.

Rupesh and Kritisara Crowned Champions in National Chess Competition

The Nepal Chess Federation has selected five male and five female players to represent Nepal at the 46th Chess Olympiad organized by the World Chess Federation. The national chess competition held in Damak, Jhapa, concluded with Rupesh Jaiswal winning the open category and Kritisara Adhikari securing the title in the women’s category. These selections pave the way for Nepal’s 10-player team to compete in the Olympiad scheduled for September this year in Uzbekistan.

In the open category, champion Rupesh scored 9.5 points out of 11 games, while women’s champion Kritisara achieved 8.5 points. The 26th Open and 11th Women’s National Chess Championships were held on June 19 at Hotel Kamaksha in Damak. The event was organized by the Nepal Chess Federation in collaboration with the Provincial Sports Development Board, Koshi Province, and the District Chess Association of Jhapa.

Defending his title, FM Rupesh Jaiswal from Rautahat scored 9.5 points in 11 games, thereby securing the open category championship for a third time. He drew his last game against CM Sushrut Dahal. Young talent Ashish Phuyal from Dolakha finished second with 7.5 points, followed by former Nepal Champion Rajan Subedi in third place with 7 points. Using tiebreaks for the same score of 7 points, CM Sushrut Dahal from Jhapa ranked fourth, CM Purushottam Silwal from Kathmandu fifth, and Rishon Thapa from Panchthar secured the sixth position.

In the women’s category, Kritisara Adhikari of Jhapa exhibited an outstanding performance to become the national women’s champion with 8.5 points. Jhapa’s Puja Bhandari stood second with 7.5 points, while Nihana Shrestha of Dolakha secured third place with 7 points. Angel Maharjan, also with 7 points, ranked fourth based on tiebreak criteria. After playing tiebreaks such as direct encounter and Sonneborn-Berger, Binita Kapali from Kathmandu, former Oman Nepal champion Sindira Joshi, and Priya Kshetri from Jhapa tied with 6.5 points, with Kapali placing sixth.

According to federation member Raju Tamrakar, the selected male players for the 46th Chess Olympiad are FM Rupesh Jaiswal, Ashish Phuyal, Rajan Subedi, CM Sushrut Dahal, and CM Purushottam Silwal. The female team consists of former champion Sindira Joshi, Kritisara Adhikari, Puja Bhandari, Nihana Shrestha, and Angel Maharjan.